Ahmed El-Gendy is an accomplished Egyptian modern pentathlete, recognized for his remarkable achievements on the international stage. He gained widespread attention at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he won a silver medal in the men’s event. His journey in modern pentathlon began earlier, as he also competed in the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, where he secured a gold medal for Egypt, setting the stage for his future successes.
El-Gendy’s Olympic performance in 2020 was particularly noteworthy. After finishing 13th in the initial events of fencing, swimming, and riding, he trailed leader Joe Choong by 50 points. However, in the final laser-run, he demonstrated exceptional endurance and skill, making up the entire deficit and briefly leading during the final 800 meters. Ultimately, he finished just under five seconds behind Choong, showcasing his remarkable comeback ability.
In 2024, El-Gendy made history by winning the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Paris, breaking both Olympic and world records with an impressive score of 1555 points. This achievement made him the first athlete from Africa to earn medals, including an Olympic gold, in modern pentathlon, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the sport.
As a symbol of national pride, El-Gendy has been selected as the official flag bearer for Egypt at the 2024 Paris Olympics, alongside female weightlifter Sara Ahmed. He continues to train rigorously at Smouha SC in Alexandria, preparing for his next challenges and inspiring aspiring athletes across Africa.