The Olympic Games have long been a stage for remarkable stories, and the 2024 Paris Games are no exception. Here are four inspiring tales of athletes who defied the odds to achieve their dreams on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Yaylagul Ramazanova (Azerbaijan Archer)
Meet Yaylagul Ramazanova, a 34-year-old archer from Azerbaijan who competed in the Paris Olympics while six and a half months pregnant. Ramazanova, a trailblazer for her country in archery, made headlines not just for her impressive skills but also for her incredible determination. Despite being ranked 185th in the world, she pulled off a stunning upset against China’s An Qixuan, who was ranked 28th. “I felt my baby kick me before I shot this last arrow, and then I shot a 10,” Ramazanova said. Although she was eliminated in the next round by Michelle Kroppen of Germany, Ramazanova’s participation remains a highlight of the Games.
The Azerbaijani Archer Yaylagul Ramazanova , WR 186
while pregnant managed to defeat Chinese archer, WR 28!
This is Iconic !
Salute Queen 🙏👑#IndiaAtOlympics pic.twitter.com/WKSQg38tfQ— Fragrance (@Fragrance893097) July 30, 2024
Nada Hafez (Egyptian Fencer)
Nada Hafez, a 26-year-old Egyptian fencer, also made waves at the Paris Olympics by competing in the women’s individual sabre event while seven months pregnant. Hafez’s feat was revealed only after her first-round match, where she defeated former NCAA champion Elizabeth Tartakovsky. She shared on social media, “7 MONTHS PREGNANT OLYMPIAN! What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three!” Despite losing in the round of 16, Hafez’s story of balancing pregnancy and high-level competition has inspired many.
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Yusuf Dikec (Turkish Shooter)
At 51, Yusuf Dikec has proven that age is no barrier to Olympic success. Known for his unorthodox style, including shooting without traditional gear like blinders or ear defenders, Dikec and his partner won Turkey’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting. His silver in the Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol event, alongside Savval Ilayda Tarhan, was a landmark achievement for Turkish shooting. Dikec’s casual approach and his impressive career spanning multiple Olympics have made him a standout figure in Paris.
The 51-year-old Turkish athlete Yusuf Dikeç makes a statement about going viral for competing at the Olympics without specialized equipment and winning a silver medal.
“I did not need special equipment. I'm a natural, a natural shooter” pic.twitter.com/cTF6dJ2yD5
— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) August 1, 2024
Zhiying Zeng (Chilean Table Tennis Player of Chinese Origin)
Zhiying Zeng, a 58-year-old table tennis player, realized her lifelong dream by competing in the Paris Olympics. Born in Guangzhou and influenced by her mother, Zeng’s journey took her from China to Chile, where she continued to compete and coach. Despite losing in the preliminary rounds, Zeng’s qualification was a significant achievement. “My dad was able to see his daughter qualify for the Olympics,” she said, reflecting on the emotional moment of fulfilling her dream.
🥹🥹🥹
She may have lost, but Zhiying Zeng's Olympic Games debut will be a moment she and her father will never forget 🫶#PingPong #TableTennis #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/sILzHuQS4F
— World Table Tennis (@WTTGlobal) July 27, 2024
These stories from the Paris 2024 Olympics highlight the extraordinary determination and passion that drive athletes to achieve their goals against all odds.