Paris Olympics 2024: Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez reveals she competed while seven months pregnant

After advancing to the Round of 16 in the individual women's saber competition at the Paris Olympics, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez revealed she had been competing while seven months pregnant. Hafez defeated American and former NCAA champion Elizabeth Tartakovsky in Monday's first round before losing to South Korea's Hayoung Jeon while carrying her unborn child.

Hafez had previously competed in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, but shared in a post on Instagram that this was her first time competing while "carrying a little Olympian."

"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!", Hafez wrote. "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.

"I'm writing this post to say that pride fills my being for securing my place in the round of 16!"

Hafez's child is the first for both herself and husband, Ibarahim Ihab, who got married in March 2023.

Hafez pursuing gold during her pregnancy highlights a major step forward in the Olympics for mothers and children, as the Paris Olympics features the first-ever nursery in the Olympic village for athletes and their infant children. The nursery serves as a place for playtime and family bonding while also offering services like private breastfeeding spaces and diaper changing stations.