Three years ago, Ahmed Elgendy emerged as Egypt's unlikely hero by claiming the country's first-ever silver medal in Modern Pentathlon. The 24-year-old is one of Egypt's biggest hopes for a medal in Paris.

Elgendy has been selected as one of Egypt's flag-bearers for the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside weightlifting champion Sara Samir.

"I know that I'm under the spotlight now, unlike in Tokyo. But I'm taking positives from that and treating it as extra motivation. My primary target is to win gold, but I will also be happy if I win a silver or bronze as it will mark a second successive Olympic medal," Elgendy told Reuters.

Elgendy came under the spotlight after a stunning performance that made him the first African to win an Olympic modern pentathlon medal. His late rally in the men's event earned him a silver medal, just behind Britain's Joe Choong. This achievement catapulted him from relative obscurity to international recognition.

Since Tokyo, however, Elgendy has faced significant challenges. A series of injuries, particularly a shoulder injury, disrupted his momentum and forced him out of the semi-finals of the Pentathlon World Championships last month. Despite these setbacks, El Gendy's determination has never wavered.

"I've had my share of injuries, but I'm more experienced and confident now. Over the past three years, I've participated in only seven championships due to my shoulder injuries, yet I won medals in five of them," Elgendy said.

The Paris Olympics will introduce new challenges for modern pentathletes, including a riding contest in both the semi-finals and the final. In Tokyo, the equestrian event was part of a single-round format, but the new structure adds an element of unpredictability, as riders are allocated random horses just 20 minutes before the start. This change requires a higher level of adaptability and skill from the athletes.

"There is a bigger risk now with regards to horse riding; it's a bigger challenge. We hope things will go smoothly," he added.

Elgendy will start his journey on 8 August, bearing all the hopes of the Egyptians.