Egyptian star Mohamed Hamza returned to the podium after winning the gold medal in the men’s foil competition at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, producing a result that carried major importance for him after a season he described as difficult both technically and mentally. 🇪🇬⚔️🏆
Hamza secured the gold medal after defeating Italian opponent Davide Filippi 15-12 in the final, confirming his ability to return to the highest level of competition after going through a difficult period that affected his world ranking and results at major tournaments.
In an exclusive interview, Mohamed Hamza discussed the details of his gold medal, the intensity of the competition and why the achievement was particularly important to him. He also revealed his ambitions for the upcoming season and his biggest dream of reaching the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and competing for an Olympic medal.
Gold Medal Restores Mohamed Hamza’s Confidence
Mohamed Hamza confirmed that winning the Mediterranean Games gold medal came at a very important time, particularly after a season in which he did not achieve the results he had hoped for.
He explained that the medal was not simply another achievement in his record but also an important psychological boost that restored his confidence in his abilities and gave him greater motivation to continue working during the next stage.
The Egyptian champion stressed that athletes sometimes need just one result to regain their confidence and return to the path they know, considering the Taranto gold medal a possible new starting point in his career. 🔥
The Final Against an Italian Champion Was Not Easy
The final against Davide Filippi was extremely difficult, particularly because Hamza was facing an Italian champion in Italy, surrounded by strong home support and significant pressure.
He noted that Italy is one of the strongest countries in foil fencing and that his opponent had considerable experience, meaning Hamza had to remain focused throughout the match and avoid any decline in performance.
By maintaining his concentration until the final moment, Hamza secured a 15-12 victory and celebrated the gold medal.
Strong Competition From Italian and French Stars
Hamza described the Mediterranean Games competition as extremely strong, particularly with several high-level athletes from Italy and France taking part.
He explained that competing in Italy in front of the home crowd added another layer of difficulty, making the gold medal even more valuable to him.
He also considered the tournament a genuine test of his abilities at the end of a demanding season and proof that he remains capable of returning to the highest level of competition. ⚔️
Difficult Season and World Ranking Drop
Mohamed Hamza did not hide how difficult the previous season had been, explaining that he failed to win a world medal in the individual competition, while his best results included a bronze medal at the African Championships and a team gold medal.
This period coincided with a decline in his world ranking from third at the end of the 2024 season to seventh, and then to 19th in the world.
He admitted that such a decline was difficult mentally, particularly after reaching some of the highest positions in the world, but believes sport naturally includes periods of progress and setbacks.
Hamza is now focused on returning to the world’s leading positions rather than remaining defined by the difficult phase he experienced.
Preparation and Support Before Paris Olympics
Mohamed Hamza believes preparation and support are extremely important factors in fencing, pointing specifically to the period before the Paris Olympics.
He explained that financial support was greater during that period and that the national team attended training camps outside Egypt before many competitions, providing athletes with greater opportunities to train against top competitors and prepare in different environments.
He noted that this had a direct impact on his level, as he finished fifth at the Paris Olympics, won medals at World Cup and Grand Prix events and ended the season ranked third in the world. ⭐
Calls for a Strong Preparation Program
Hamza stressed that the next phase requires greater support, not only for him but for all members of the Egyptian fencing team.
He expressed his appreciation for the work carried out by the Egyptian Fencing Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, but believes competing at the world’s highest level requires a strong preparation program involving training camps and regular international exposure.
He explained that when an athlete receives strong preparation, they enter competitions in their best technical, physical and psychological condition, increasing the possibility of achieving better results.
His Goal Is to Return to the Top
After winning the Taranto gold medal, Mohamed Hamza does not want to stop at this achievement. Instead, he wants to use it as the beginning of a new phase.
He confirmed that his goal for next season is to return to the world’s leading positions and compete for medals at major tournaments, emphasizing that this requires more work and continuous focus.
In his view, the real value of the Mediterranean Games gold medal will come from maintaining confidence and improving his level rather than simply celebrating the achievement. 🏆
Los Angeles.. The Biggest Dream
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics hold special importance for Mohamed Hamza, who is targeting his fourth Olympic appearance.
However, participation alone is not his goal. He wants to travel to Los Angeles capable of competing strongly for an Olympic medal.
Hamza knows that reaching that goal will require years of work and strong preparation, which is why he hopes the necessary support will be available to help him prepare in the best possible way.
His Family Played the Biggest Role
After winning the gold medal, the first person Mohamed Hamza thought about was his father, whom he described as having made a major effort with him and the Egyptian team over the years and always supporting him.
He also dedicated the medal to his sister, his family and everyone who stood beside him during the difficult period he experienced.
His words highlight the important role families play in the careers of athletes, particularly during difficult periods and moments of psychological pressure.
Thanks to the Fencing Community
Hamza thanked Abdel Moneim El-Husseiny, President of the International Fencing Federation, for his continued support, while also praising his national-team teammates for standing beside him and encouraging him to continue.
He also expressed his appreciation to Tarek El-Husseiny, President of the Egyptian Fencing Federation, and Gowhar Nabil, Minister of Youth and Sports, for their support of him and the national team.
A Message to Egyptian Supporters
Mohamed Hamza ended his remarks with a message to Egyptian supporters, stressing how proud he is to represent Egypt on the international stage.
He explained that the Taranto gold medal is not the end of his journey but rather a new beginning, promising to continue working and striving for more achievements.
His biggest dream now is to reach Los Angeles in the best possible technical and physical condition and return from the Olympic Games with another achievement that raises the Egyptian flag on the podium. 🇪🇬🥇
✨ The Taranto gold medal has brought Mohamed Hamza back into the spotlight, but for the Egyptian champion it is only one step toward a bigger goal: regaining his position among the world’s elite and preparing for his Olympic medal dream in Los Angeles.
📢 Can Mohamed Hamza return to the world’s top positions and achieve his Olympic medal dream at Los Angeles 2028? Share your prediction and support for the Egyptian champion. ⚔️🇪🇬🔥
