Before stepping foot on campus as an official Penn student, rising freshman Malak Hamza made her Olympic debut this weekend in Paris.
Hamza, soon to be a foil fencer for Penn, competed for Team Egypt in the Olympic Games. She lost in the women’s foil individual round of 32 by a score of 15-3 to a German fencer 15 years her senior, but she took away many invaluable lessons.
She describes her Olympic experience as “surreal” and “[a] thrilling atmosphere.”
“I don’t even feel worthy of it, honestly,” Hamza told The Daily Pennsylvanian.
“In Egypt, there is a huge neglect in women’s sports, especially in fencing. … These past few years have been very difficult due to the lack of support and proper guidance from our coaches, players, and federation,” Hamza explained.
The journey just to qualify for the games was an uphill battle for her and her female teammates. Her team had to find ways to pull together enough money to join the men’s team in training camps located in Hungary and Poland.
“[It was] something no Olympic athlete should have to do,” she said.
Not only did the lack of national support affect Hamza’s path to get to the games, but it affected her mentally.
“I think knowing that we weren’t particularly wanted or fan favorites … at times I felt like I didn’t belong,” she said.
She also noted that the Olympic venue closely resembled the competition set-up at a FIE Fencing Championships competition and looked significantly different from previous Olympic Games. This led to her competition experience feeling disorganized at times.
Regardless, she fought on, despite facing a highly ranked and significantly older opponent.
“My coach would often tell me to just have fun and the rest will follow, which is what I wanted to do as well.”
Hamza was aware that she was on the younger end of the spectrum of Olympic athletes and that she still awaits a long career of competition. She gained significant experience in terms of competition pressure, mental preparation, and knowledge of what it takes to compete at this level.
“I will leave these Olympics ready to see what else lies ahead and excited for the next four years of preparation with Penn fencing supporting me. … I am so excited to be starting my Penn career in every aspect,” she said.
She shared that thus far, the University and fencing coach Andy Ma, have been extremely supportive of her and her athletic career. She excitedly anticipates a strong support system on the fencing team and a proper and rigorous training regimen necessary for athletic success.
Additionally, Hamza plans to explore her academic and career interests in psychology and is gearing up for academic, athletic, and social success and growth.
“I cannot wait to be a part of this amazing community and create friendships that will last a lifetime,” she said.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate
