Northwest Wayne News

Less than 0.02 percent of the global population gets the chance to represent their country at the Olympic Games. Even fewer athletes have the opportunity to be on an Olympic team with a sibling and be coached by a parent. Mahmoud Elsayed, a freshman fencer, achieved this rare feat during the Paris Olympics.

Elsayed grew up in Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt, and competed in the team epee event for Egypt's National Team. His father, Elsayed Saleh, serves as Egypt's Head Coach for Epee. The team included Mahmoud, Mohamed Yassin, Mahmoud Mohsen, and Mohamed Elsayed—Mahmoud's older brother.

Mohamed is a seasoned Olympian with three appearances (2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina, 2020/21 Tokyo Olympics, and 2024 Paris Olympics). He secured a bronze medal in individual epee this past summer and has won three World Championships and an NCAA Championship in 2023.

The Egyptian epee team finished eighth in Paris. Despite not achieving their desired result, Mahmoud gained lifelong recognition as an Olympian. Reflecting on his experience at the Olympics, he said: "It was amazing" and "I enjoyed every moment."

Mahmoud's fencing journey began at age four within a family deeply rooted in the sport. He remarked on his family's dedication: "I think fencing is our entire life." His oldest brother Ahmed Elsayed now works as a graduate assistant for Wayne State's fencing program after competing there for six years.

Ahmed earned First Team All-American honors in 2019 after participating in three NCAA Championships. Additionally, he won a bronze medal at the World Cup and became a six-time African Champion.

The youngest sibling Jana is also showing promise as a fencer. For Mahmoud, becoming an esteemed fencer was inevitable rather than uncertain.

His first competitive season revealed his potential when he earned three gold medals under-11 category competitions: "This was the first sign that if I continued my hard work I would reach high levels."

Mahmoud credits his brothers' success internationally as motivation: "I watched Mohamed and Ahmed achieve great results...we train with each other...correct our mistakes together."

Following Ahmed’s path led him to Detroit where he attends Wayne State University like both brothers did before him; it wasn't initially planned but persuasion from Ahmed sealed it over Notre Dame choice: “He gave me push come here.”

Balancing familial relationships alongside coaching dynamics presents challenges yet familiarity helps manage them better according to Mahmoud who says having brother nearby eases transition into new chapter away from home country support system back Egypt where studying balancing difficult compared US colleges offering more time flexibility between academics athletics pursuits simultaneously pursued finance degree studies underway alongside training sessions scheduled around coursework commitments ensuring seamless integration both areas life essential achieving future aspirations set sights firmly focused Los Angeles’ hosting next Summer Games edition slated occur year following current collegiate tenure concludes successful completion academic sporting endeavors alike anticipated culmination ongoing developmental trajectory charted long ago early beginnings childhood dream realization through perseverance dedication unwavering resolve embody spirit shared familial legacy embodied collective achievements garnered thus far collectively celebrated throughout extended family network encompassing generations past present future contributions continuing tradition excellence perpetuated onward successive iterations forthcoming events anticipated unfold forthcoming years ahead