Egyptian fencer wins her opening match at the Olympic Games while SEVEN months pregnant
- The 26-year-old fencer defeated American Tartakovsky in her opening match
- Hafez was eventually defeated in the round of 16 by South Korean Jeon Hayoung
- She competed in her third Olympic Games after Brazil and Tokyo in 2021
Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has revealed she was seven months pregnant when she pulled off a surprise win over American Elizabeth Tartakovsky to reach the last 16 of the Olympic Games.
The 26-year-old won her first match 15-13 in the women’s individual sabre competition at the Grand Palais on Monday, before losing to South Korea’s Jeon Hayoung.
The athlete was emotional when she secured the impressive victory and the three-time Olympian subsequently shared the remarkable news on social media.
“What seemed like two players on stage to you was actually three! It was me, my competitor, and my yet-to-come-into-our-world little baby!” she wrote on Instagram.
‘I’m writing this message to say how proud I am to have secured my place in the round of 16… this particular Olympics was different. Three-time Olympian, but this time with a little Olympian!’
Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez revealed she was seven months pregnant as she secured an impressive victory in the women’s individual sabre
The 26-year-old defeated world number 10 Elizabeth Tartakovsky of the United States on Monday
Many fans welcomed her revelation with positivity, with some noting the remarkable example she sets for her child
Hafez previously competed in the Games in 2016 and 2021. She revealed the news to “shed light on the strength and perseverance of the Egyptian woman.”
“The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough enough, but it was also a struggle to balance my life and my sport. It was definitely worth it.”
Despite some dissenting opinions, fans were overwhelmingly positive following the revelation, with some even praising Hafez for her efforts.
“What a story to tell your baby,” one fan wrote on Instagram. Another added, “Balancing pregnancy and pursuing your passion is never easy so you should be super proud of yourself no matter the outcome. You are such a great example to this little champ!”
While a third joked: ‘Great today!!!! But isn’t it cheating to fence 2 on 1?’