In a remarkable display of determination and grit on the third day of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez not only competed against the world's best but did so while seven months pregnant. On the prestigious piste, the 26-year-old Cairo native, shared more than just competitive spirit; she carried the future — a tiny yet formidable teammate.
Revealing the news on Monday, July 29 via Instagram after advancing to the round of 16, Hafez wrote, "What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three! It was me, my competitor, & my yet-to-come to our world, little baby!" She went on to say, "My baby & I had our fair share of challenges, be it both physical & emotional. The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life & sports was nothing short of strenuous, however worth it." Concluding her post, the Olympian said, "I'm writing this post to say that pride fills my being for securing my place in the round of 16!"
Fans were quick to the comments section to show their love and admiration.
"Balancing between pregnancy and pursuing your passion is never easy, so you should be super proud of yourself regardless of the outcome. You're setting such a good example for this little champ! 🏆🥇," one person said.
"You are such a badass mama to be! Alf Mabrouk habibti! You've made Egypt, and all of us SO proud! 👏♥️," another chimed in.
"You are a role model, we are all proud of youuu❤️❤️❤️," added a third.
The soon-to-be mom's journey through the rounds was noteworthy, having bested Elizabeth Tartakovsky of the USA before succumbing to South Korea's Jeon Hayoung.
Hafez is not alone in competing while carrying a bun in the oven. Other Olympians include U.S. softball pitcher Michele Granger in 1996, U.S. ice hockey player Lisa Brown-Miller in 1998, Canadian curler Kristie Moore in 2010, and U.S. speed skater Heather Richardson Bergsma in 2018, all of whom competed and even won medals during their pregnancies.
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