Hafez’s revelation came just a couple of hours before Tatjana Smith won Africa’s first gold medal of the Paris 2024 Games, as the South African triumphed in the women’s 100m breaststroke.

The 27-year-old qualified fastest for the final, and a strong second length saw her win the third Olympic medal of her career in a time of one minute and 5.28 seconds at La Defense Arena.

“It took a village to get me where I am today,” Smith said.

“I swam for everyone that has been there for me, that has believed with me, and for my country as well.”

Smith won 100m breaststroke silver and 200m breaststroke gold in Tokyo three years ago while competing under her maiden name of Schoenmaker.

“There is always something to learn out of every race, and for me with Tokyo the only thing I wanted to change was to really just focus on my own race,” she added.

“I gave it my best and I am so grateful that I am walking away with the gold medal.”

Smith, from Johannesburg, will begin the defence of her 200m breaststroke title on Wednesday morning.

However, there was disappointment in the pool for compatriot Peter Coetze, who finished fifth in the men’s 100m backstroke final despite setting a new African record of 52.58 seconds.

Earlier on Monday South Africa’s Alan Hatherly won bronze in the men’s mountain bike cross-country race.

The 28-year-old, who had finished eighth in Tokyo three years ago, crossed the line 11 seconds behind gold medallist Tom Pidcock of Great Britain, and two seconds behind second-placed Victor Koretzky of France.

South Africa lead Africa’s medal table on Day 3 of the Games, with one gold and two bronzes.

Tunisia have a silver from Fares Ferjani in the men’s individual sabre, while Mohamed Elsayed won bronze for Egypt in the men’s individual epee on Sunday.