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Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by competing in the round of 16 of her event while seven months pregnant. The 26-year-old's remarkable achievement highlights the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood and elite sports.Hafez's journey to the Olympics began in 2014 when she joined the Egyptian National Senior Women's Sabre Fencing Team. In 2015, she claimed her first victory at the Egyptian Senior Women's Sabre National Republic Competition. Her Olympic debut came at the 2016 Rio Games, where she qualified through the African zonal qualification.In 2021, Hafez secured a spot in the Tokyo Olympics. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous accolades, including a silver medal at the 2018 African Zonal Championship and bronze medals in 2014 and 2019. She also claimed a bronze medal at the Belgium Tournoi satellite.The Paris Games held special significance for Hafez, who was already a three-time Olympian. "This specific Olympics was different," she said. "Three times *Olympian* but this time carrying a little Olympian one!"Hafez's pregnancy presented both physical and emotional challenges. "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," she said.Despite the challenges, Hafez remained determined to compete at the highest level. She won her first match 15-13 against USA's Elizabeth Tartakovsky but was eventually knocked out in the round of 16 by South Korea's Jeon Hayoung.Hafez's achievement is a testament to her resilience and dedication. She has inspired countless women around the world by demonstrating that it is possible to pursue both motherhood and elite sports.

Ukraine's Olga Kharlan, a fencing legend, has dedicated her bronze medal in the women's sabre event at the Paris Olympics to her war-torn country. Despite missing out on the individual gold she had set her sights on, Kharlan's bronze was a testament to her resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.Kharlan, 33, staged a remarkable comeback from an 11-5 deficit to defeat South Korea's Choi Se-bin in front of a crowd that included her mother, sister, and nephew. Her father, however, was unable to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.The bronze medal marked Ukraine's first at the Paris Olympics and was a poignant moment for Kharlan, who has been an outspoken critic of Russia's invasion of her country. She has repeatedly used her platform to condemn the war and call for peace."It's really special," said a beaming Kharlan after her victory. "It's like infinity. It's special for my country. It's for the people of Ukraine, for defenders (soldiers), for athletes who couldn't come here because they were killed by Russia."Kharlan's bronze medal was a culmination of her unwavering determination and the sacrifices she has made since the war began. She has rarely been home, and when she did return, she had to seek shelter from Russian airstrikes."I've been at home five times probably for one week," said Kharlan. "It's all the sacrifices. And all the news, all the tragic moments that we had when Russia bombed and killed people. We all take it. So that's why it's tough."Despite the challenges, Kharlan has remained focused on her sport and used it as a platform to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine. Her bronze medal is a symbol of hope and resilience, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.

Bhavani Devi, India's pioneering sabre fencer, faces a bittersweet reality as the 2024 Paris Olympics approach. Despite her relentless training and recent achievements, she will not be competing in the Games.After her historic Olympic debut in Tokyo, Bhavani relocated to Orleans, France, to train under renowned coach Christian Bauer. The move has transformed her understanding of the sport, leading to a career-high ranking of world No. 32. She became the first Indian fencer to win an Asian Championship medal in 2023, defeating reigning world champion Misaki Emura.However, her Olympic hopes were dashed at the Asia Oceania Zonal qualifiers in April. The disappointment has been profound, leaving Bhavani struggling to cope. "It's really painful," she confides. "I'm trying to let it pass."Bhavani's training regimen is grueling, with 35 hours of intense practice each week. On weekends, her body aches from the constant lunging, thrusting, and parrying. Yet, she finds solace in the physical exertion, using it to process her lost opportunity.Despite the setback, Bhavani remains determined. She believes that her improved skills and the support of her training partners, including her former Tokyo Olympics opponent Manon Brunet, will propel her forward."I've learnt so much," she says. "I'm learning to weave in more techniques, provocation, and working off my opponent's repertoire."Bhavani's absence from the Paris Olympics is a blow to Indian fencing. However, she remains hopeful for the future. At 30 years old, she knows that time is on her side. Five of the top 10 female sabre fencers are aged 30 or above, including 38-year-old Sofya Velikaya, who has medalled at the last three Games.Bhavani's journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of Indian athletes. While the pain of missing out on the Olympics lingers, she is committed to continuing her pursuit of excellence and inspiring future generations of fencers.