Nada Hafez gained global attention when she revealed her pregnancy on social media after her performance in the ongoing Olympics in Paris. Her announcement sparked widespread admiration and awe, showcasing her incredible determination and strength.
By the seventh month of pregnancy, most expectant mothers prioritize comfort, opting for supportive shoes and relaxed clothing. However, on the third day of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez chose a very different ensemble: an electrically conductive jacket, sabre, and mesh wire mask.
Fencing is often viewed as one of the most elegant yet physically demanding sports. It requires a unique blend of speed, ability, strategy, athleticism, and mental acuity. Competing in her third Olympics at the age of 26, Hafez exemplified these qualities as she won her first match in the women’s individual sabre competition, defeating Elizabeth Tartakovsky of the United States with a close score of 15-13.
However, her Olympic journey was cut short when she was knocked out in the last 16 by South Korea’s Jeon Hayoung, with a score of 15-7. It was only after her elimination that Hafez revealed she had been competing while seven months pregnant.
Paris 2024 has become a landmark event for sporting mothers, with more women with children participating in the Olympics and Paralympics than ever before. For the first time, the Olympic village features a nursery, and many countries are celebrating the achievements of all the women on their teams, highlighting their roles as both athletes and mothers.
One such pioneer is Helen Glover, who made history when she competed in Tokyo in 2020, becoming the first mother to qualify for the Great Britain rowing team. Glover reached the Olympic final just 18 months after giving birth to twins. Paris 2024 continues to advance the conversation about motherhood in sport, with athletes like Hafez and Glover leading the way.
