Ahmed Elgendy: From Silver to Gold, Egypt's Hope for Paris 2024

Ahmed Elgendy, who met Egyptian soccer star Mohamed Salah in January, dreams of upgrading his Tokyo Olympics silver medal to gold in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Despite recent injuries, the pentathlete is optimistic about his chances. Elgendy is determined to make a mark in Egypt's sporting history, inspired by conversations with Salah.

When Ahmed Elgendy met Mohamed Salah in January, he received an inspiring pep talk and captured a memorable photo donning his modern pentathlon silver medal from the Tokyo Olympics.

The 24-year-old hopes to take another picture with Salah after the Paris Olympics, this time wearing a gold medal. Elgendy aspires to solidify his place in Egypt's sporting history. "Salah is a role model for all of us," Elgendy told Reuters. "Our discussion about the Olympics and preparations was incredibly valuable."

Elgendy made history in Tokyo as the first African to win an Olympic modern pentathlon medal. A dramatic rally in the men's individual event earned him the silver, narrowly missing gold to Britain's Joe Choong.

Despite a series of injuries, including a recent shoulder issue that sidelined him from the Pentathlon World Championships, an intensive rehab has Elgendy fit and set on Paris gold. "Things have changed since Tokyo—I'm more experienced and confident," he said. "I've competed in seven championships over three years and won medals in five."

Paris' modern pentathlon will introduce additional challenges, including a riding contest in both semi-finals and finals, a format different from Tokyo. Riders will face the challenge of being allocated random horses just 20 minutes before the event start.

Elgendy, ranked fourth in the world and appointed as Egypt's flag-bearer for the opening ceremony, is ready to face the pressure. "I'm under the spotlight now, unlike in Tokyo," he said, viewing it as extra motivation.