7-Month Pregnant Egyptian Fencer Competes in Paris Olympics 2024

Who said pregnant women can’t compete in the Olympics?

The arena is set, and the audience is buzzing with anticipation. In a remarkable display of strength and determination, 7-month-pregnant Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez steps onto the Paris Olympic 2024 stage in Paris. The world watches in awe as she defies convention and challenges the norms of what a pregnant athlete can achieve.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have already been a spectacle of talent and resilience, but Nada Hafez’s story adds a new dimension of inspiration. Competing at the highest level of sports while carrying life within her, she is rewriting the narrative of pregnancy and athleticism.

Meet Nada Hafez: The Pregnant Competitor at Paris Olympics 2024

Nada Hafez, a 26-year-old athlete from Cairo, competed in the Paris Olympics while seven months pregnant. A graduate of Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, she is a three-time Olympic fencer. She has previously participated in the Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016 games.

Nada Hafez shared her extraordinary Paris Olympics experience in a heartfelt Instagram post on July 30. She described the podium as being occupied by three, herself, her competitor, and her unborn baby. Nada referred to herself as a “7 MONTHS PREGNANT OLYMPIAN.”

What Did the Fencer Have to Say?

Competing while pregnant was challenging for Hafez, but she found it worthwhile in the end. She acknowledged the physical and emotional difficulties of pregnancy and balancing sports, describing the experience as strenuous but ultimately rewarding.

Hafez expressed gratitude to her husband, Ibrahim Ihab, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and her family for their unwavering support. She felt particularly fortunate to have their trust and noted that this Olympics was unique for her as she was carrying an unborn Olympian.

What Challenges Did She Face?

Hafez discussed the physical and emotional challenges she faced during her pregnancy, describing the experience as strenuous but rewarding. She expressed pride in securing her place in the round of 16 and shared that balancing life and sports was tough but worthwhile.

Although Hafez’s journey ended in the final round against South Korea’s Jeon Hayoung, who won 15-7, her determination and courage to compete while pregnant have inspired many.

This was her third Olympic appearance, highlighting her enduring passion and dedication to the sport.

Are Sports During Pregnancy Safe?

Participating in combat sports during pregnancy can pose serious health risks, including abdominal trauma that may lead to complications such as placental abruption, premature delivery, or fetal injury.

The risk of falls or collisions in fencing, along with the sport’s quick movements, increases the danger during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman chooses to continue fencing, she should take essential safety precautions and have regular consultations with an obstetrician to monitor her health and pregnancy status.

Adjusting the intensity and tactics in the sport is crucial to minimize risks, such as avoiding hard strikes or physically demanding moves. Enhanced protective clothing should be used to safeguard the abdomen, and it’s important to monitor for any signs of pain, dizziness, or contractions.

What do you think of the Paris Olympics 2024? Should Nada Hafez have competed or not?

You might also want to read: Pregnancy Brain: Why and How Does It Happen?