Yehia El-Bahnasawy was a career military officer who served in several of Egypt’s most important campaigns from the 1950s through the 1970s, eventually attaining the rank of لواء, or Major General. Like many important military figures, he entered politics following his retirement from active service, which culminated in his tenure as Governor of Qena from 1992 through 1996. After he stepped down, a street in the city of Luxor (part of the Qena Governorate until 2009), near the Karnak Temple Complex, was named in his honor. In his youth he was known as a swimmer and was selected to represent Egypt in the 4 x 200 metres freestyle relay at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. As Egypt did not end up starting the competition, and he was not entered into any other events, El-Bahnasawy did not take part officially in the Games. He was sixth in the 1,500 metres event at the 1951 Mediterranean Games and also competed in the 800 metres.
Egypt