On Monday, Egyptian Olympian Nada Hafez revealed on her Instagram account that she was seven months pregnant while competing in the Paris Olympics 2024, with a caption
“7 MONTHS PREGNANT OLYMPIAN!”
Hafez, 26, has competed in the Olympics three times. She advanced to the round of 16 at the Grand Palais after defeating American Elizabeth Tartakovsky 15-13 in women’s saber fencing before losing to Korea’s Jeon Hayoung 15-7.
Hafez highlighted her pride in not only her performance, but also in competing while pregnant.
“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 wrote on Instagram.
“I’m writing this post to say that pride fills my being for securing my place in the round of 16 … this specific Olympics was different. Three times Olympian but this time carrying a little Olympian one!” Hafez added.
After publicly announcing her pregnancy following her loss, she wrote on Instagram, “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 continued.
She also highlighted her gratitude to her husband, whom she married in the year of 2023, and her family who have been supportive and putting the trust in her.
The Paris Olympics is regarded as the most welcoming Olympics in history, with a nursery providing a space for athlete parents to spend time together with their children throughout the Games.
According to The Associated Press, this is the first time an Olympic Games had an Olympic Village nursery.
Photo courtesy: Today Show