The seventh month of pregnancy is typically a challenging time for most women, characterized by hip and lower back pain, increased fatigue, and shortness of breath. However, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez defied expectations by competing in the Summer Olympics while seven months pregnant.
Despite the physical demands of pregnancy, Hafez, 26, participated in the women’s sabre competition and even advanced to the round of 16. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared, “What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three! It was me, my competitor, & my yet-to-come little baby!”
Hafez went on to express the challenges she faced balancing pregnancy and elite sports, stating, “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.” She expressed immense pride in securing her place in the round of 16.
During the competition, Hafez defeated American world No. 10 Elizabeth Tartakovsky before eventually losing to Jeon Hayoung of South Korea. As a three-time Olympian for Egypt in sabre fencing, Hafez entered the Tokyo Olympics as the 29th-ranked sabre fencer in the world and Egypt’s top competitor in the sport.
Reflecting on her experience, Hafez shared, “This specific Olympics was different; Three times *Olympian* but this time carrying a little Olympian one!” Her journey at the Olympics was filled with a new sense of pride, different from her previous appearances at the Games.
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(Photo: Carl Recine / Getty Images)
