Few names carry the weight of the world’s number one in the history of Egyptian sports.
Fewer still are women who have broken social barriers, while meeting the intense physical demands of one of the world’s toughest sports.
Samar Hamza is this exception.
Born in Alexandria in1995, Hamza has transitioned from a young girl with excessive aggression in karate to the first Egyptian, Arab, and African woman to ever top the world’s wrestling rankings.
From Alex to global summit
Hamza’s journey began at the age of 13, fuelled by her mother’s desire to see her on a podium.
While she initially tried karate, the sport’s rigid structure did not suit her fighting spirit.
Moving to wrestling was a success. Her physical statistics were so strong that she joined elite training before she even competed. Her rise to the top of the world was very fast.
After a breakthrough medal at the 2021 World Championships, she proved her dominance by taking bronze in 2022.
This consistency culminated in her reaching the world No.1 ranking in 2022 and 2023, a feat that turned her life into a cultural phenomenon, even inspiring the 2021 television series, Toqlaha Dahab(She is worth her weight in gold), where her story was portrayed by actress Hala el-Saeed.
Motherhood, return
Hamza’s most significant victory had perhaps happened off the mat.
After she gave birth to her first son, Yahya, in February 2025, some people thought that her career had come to an end. The physical toll was immense.
“I gained 30 kilos, and I was suffering from a lack of sleep,” Hamza told The Egyptian Gazette. “I didn’t know where to begin or how to start and how I could continue training while meeting my child’s needs.”
Determined to prove the doubters wrong, she embarked on a gruelling recovery mission.
Through a strict diet and the support of her strength coach, Mohamed Khairy, she shed weight and regained her competitive edge.
Hamza considers her son to be her top priority. Against all odds, this energizes her continuity and fuels her determination.
“I faced many challenges from people who said I couldn’t balance motherhood and wrestling, but motherhood gives me a greater motivation to win medals,” Hamza said with resolve.
“I know my son will be proud of these medals in the future,” she added.
Hamza is quick to point out that her success is a team effort. She highlights her husband as her greatest pillar of support, often waiting with their son on the side-lines during long training sessions.
Under the technical guidance of wrestling coach,Ahmed Safrout, she has managed to regain the form that made her a world champion.
Even during the holy month of Ramadan, her discipline never wavers. Hamza maintains a rigorous schedule, training both before and after breakfast.
“It’s difficult to increase my level while fasting,” she noted.
Despite this, she is contented with maintaining her level, putting time limits into consideration.
2026, the Olympics
Despite the global accolades Hamza has received, one piece of hardware is missing in her career: an Olympic medal.
Having missed out on the podium in previous editions, even with her No.1 ranking, Hamza views the future with renewed hunger.
Her immediate 2026 calendar is packed, starting with the African Championship, followed by the Ranking Series and the World Championships.
Her recent performances suggest she is well on her way.
Since her return, Hamza secured a fifth-place finish at the World Beach Wrestling Championships in Alexandria and a bronze at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.
“I’m satisfied with my level after a year away,” she said. “It’s very gratifying.”
Message to next generation
At moments of utter exhaustion, Hamza always tells herself: “I have a dream and I must achieve it”.
She acts as a guide for every female athlete who worries that having a family ends a sports career.
Her point is simple: your drive and energy are the only things that can stop you.
“Nothing can stop you as long as you have passion,” she said.
“People say I achieve miracles, but I simply thank God for the blessing of patience, strength, and endurance,” she added.
As the road to Los Angeles 2028 begins, Hamzaknows that the world and her son, Yahya, will be watching to see her complete her golden collection.
