Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez recently revealed that she was seven months pregnant while participating in the Paris Olympics, where she secured a victory against a US opponent.
The 26-year-old fencer was eliminated in the last 16 but took to Instagram to share an emotional message about her experience, expressing her pride in competing during the final trimester of her pregnancy.
“What might look like two athletes on the podium was actually three! It was me, my opponent, and my unborn baby,” Hafez wrote.
“My baby and I encountered many physical and emotional challenges. Pregnancy alone is a rollercoaster, but managing it alongside a sports career was extremely demanding, yet wholly rewarding.”
Hafez went on to express her gratitude: “I am writing this post filled with pride for making it to the Round of 16! I am fortunate to have had the support and trust of my husband and family, which enabled me to reach this point.”
During the competition, Hafez defeated American fencer Elizabeth Tartakovsky before being overcome by South Korea’s Jeon Hayoung.