Egyptian Fencer Competes in the Paris Olympics While Being Seven Months Pregnant

Egyptian Fencer Competes in the Paris Olympics While Being Seven Months Pregnant

Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez disclosed that she competed in the Paris Olympics while seven months pregnant. Hafez shared on Instagram that she was "carrying a little Olympian one" shortly after advancing to the round of 16 in women's saber on Monday.

The 26-year-old from Cairo achieved an upset victory over former NCAA champion Elizabeth Tartakovsky of the United States, before being defeated by South Korea's Jeon Hayoung.

"My baby and I faced numerous physical and emotional challenges," Hafez wrote. "The journey of pregnancy is difficult on its own, but maintaining a balance between life and sports was extremely strenuous, yet entirely worth it. I'm sharing this to express my pride in securing a spot in the round of 16!"

A former gymnast with a medical degree, Hafez is a three-time Olympian who won gold medals in both the individual and team saber events at the 2019 African Games. She finished Monday's competition officially ranked 16th, her best result in any of her three Olympic appearances.