Nishat Lada
Appearances
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
27-year-old Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez is a clinical pathologist by trade and a new mum to four-month-old daughter Zaina. She'd already competed at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, but the Paris Olympics were more than just participation. In the first round of her women's individual sabre, she pulled off a shock win against seventh-seeded American Elizabeth Tartakovsky.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
Hafez lost her next match but reaching the last 16 was something special and then came the Instagram post which made headline news the world over.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
But not all the messages were so kind. Hafez put out another post to clarify she was fine to compete.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
When she first discovered she was pregnant, Hafez was cautious but was encouraged by her husband, a cardiothoracic surgeon, to get medical advice.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
Hafez kept the news of her pregnancy very quiet.
Global News Podcast
Ukraine's future is focus of Munich Security Conference
The Egyptian Olympic Committee confirmed to us that they have no problem with a pregnant woman competing as long as they're sure it's safe for her and her baby. Hafez has not yet decided whether she'll try to qualify for LA 2028. She's studying for a master's and using her platform to support women's rights in sport.