In January, when Ahmed Elgendy met Mohamed Salah, he received not only a pep talk but also inspiration to aim higher. Posing for a photo with the Egyptian soccer star while wearing his Tokyo Olympics silver medal, Elgendy set his sights on the Paris Olympics, dreaming of a gold medal.
Journey to Paris
Elgendy, 24, made history at the Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first African to win an Olympic modern pentathlon medal. His late rally in the men’s individual event secured him a silver, just behind Britain’s Joe Choong. Despite injuries, including a recent shoulder injury that forced him out of the Pentathlon World Championships semi-finals, Elgendy remains determined.
“Things are different now compared to Tokyo. I’m more experienced and confident. Over the past three years, despite participating in only seven championships due to my injuries, I won medals in five,” Elgendy told Reuters. His primary goal is to win gold in Paris, though he would be happy with any medal, marking his second successive Olympic podium finish.
Modern pentathlon athletes will face an added challenge in Paris with the introduction of a riding contest in both the semi-finals and the final. In Tokyo, this event was part of a single-round format. Riders are allocated random horses just 20 minutes before the start, adding unpredictability. This horse-riding contest will be scrapped for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and replaced by obstacle racing.
“There is a bigger risk now with horse riding; it’s a bigger challenge. We hope things will go smoothly,” Elgendy added.
Pressure and Motivation
Currently ranked fourth in the world, Elgendy is aware of the pressure as Egypt’s main hope for glory in Paris. He has also been selected as Egypt’s flag-bearer for the opening ceremony, a significant honor and added responsibility.
“I know that I’m under the spotlight now, unlike in Tokyo. But I’m taking positives from that and treating it as extra motivation,” he said.
As he prepares for the Paris Olympics, Elgendy is driven by the desire to take another photo with Salah, this time with a gold medal around his neck, further etching his name into Egypt’s sporting history.
Source: Reuters
