By Alan Baldwin
PARIS (Reuters) – Egypt, the most populous Arab country, has only a single bronze medal so far from the Paris Olympics and the pressure is building on Ahmed Elgendy.
The modern pentathlete won silver as a relative unknown at the Tokyo Games in 2021, becoming the first African to win an Olympic medal in the sport, but he starts the competition on Thursday with a burden of expectation.
Egypt took a total of six medals, four of them bronze, in Tokyo. The sole gold was in karate, a martial art that was included for the first time but omitted from the Paris programme.
“This time… they are all relying on me to get a medal here in Paris,” the 24-year-old Elgendy, who has had some injury problems in recent months, told Reuters on Wednesday.
“So it’s a pressure, but at the same time you can change it to a kind of motivation — being motivated to get these people happy.”
Egypt’s sole bronze has come in fencing, won by Mohamed Elsayed in the men’s individual epee.
The modern pentathlon starts at the North Paris Arena on Thursday with a fencing ranking round before the action moves to the Palace of Versailles for semi-finals and finals on Friday and Saturday.
“Last time in Tokyo, I came back from 13th position to second position in the laser run. This time I’m trying to make it a little bit easier,” said Elgendy.
“I have big support from all people in Egypt, especially after being the flag bearer in the opening ceremony in this Olympics. It has been a dream come true and I’m feeling excited for the competition.
“Hopefully, this time, to be the gold.”
Elgendy had hoped to be joined on a strong Egyptian team by his brother Mohamed but the younger sibling did not qualify, although he is in Paris for support and the two have trained together.
“We have a very strong bond. Maybe there was more pressure in the last year when we were both trying to qualify,” said the Egyptian.
“He is still young, he still has a future. I hope he can make it to LA in 2028.”
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis)
Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content.