Yaylagul Ramazanova, an archer from Azerbaijan, won hearts as she competed at the Paris Games while being six and a half months pregnant. "I was not fighting alone," she remarked. The 34-year-old also achieved a significant milestone as only the second archer from the country to participate in the Olympics. Ramazanova, who delivered a strong and focused performance in the women's individual recurve event, was defeated in the Round of 16 elimination by Germany’s Michelle Kroppen, 6-2 on July 30. However, her determination to participate has garnered praise worldwide.
Who Is Yaylagul Ramazanova?
Yaylagul Ramazanova is the second archer from Azerbaijan to compete in the Olympics, the first being Olga Senyuk at the Rio Games in 2016. The athlete initially started as a shooter but found her calling in archery after her coach encouraged her saying her 'long arms' could be useful in the sport.
At the Paris Games 2024, Ramazanova clinched a place in the Round of 16 pre-quarterfinals after she faced Chinese archer An Qixuan in the 1/32 elimination round. The tournament ended with a 5-5 score, which called for a tie-breaker using one arrow from each player.
While Qixuan scored 9, Ramazanova hit the bullseye, a perfect 10, to zoom into the next qualifying round. Speaking to the Chinese news outlet Xinhua, the Azerbaijani recalled, "I felt my baby kick me before I shot this last arrow, and then I shot a 10!" Ramanazova is ranked World No. 127.
Speaking of her pregnancy journey as an Olympian, she told the publication, "During the training for the Olympics, I didn't feel uncomfortable with my pregnancy. Instead, I felt that I was not fighting alone, but fighting together with my baby... I will teach my kid archery if he or she is interested in it."
Ramazanova reflected on the Ro16 tournament, where she was defeated by the German athlete. "I wanted to get a medal. Every athlete does but not everyone can, but that's okay as long as I did my best." Her supporters have showered her with affectionate messages after the match.
Ramazanova is not the only pregnant athlete at the Olympics. In late July 2024, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez also revealed that she was seven months pregnant while competing in the Paris Games. The 26-year-old athlete shared that she competed not just for herself but for her unborn baby as well.
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