Cindy Ngamba, a boxer representing the Refugee Olympic Team, etched her name in history by securing the team’s first ever medal at the Paris Olympics. The Cameroonian-born athlete, who sought refuge in Britain at the age of 11, clinched a bronze medal in the women’s 75kg boxing category. Ngamba’s journey to the podium was marked by a hard-fought semifinal bout against Panama’s Atheyna Bylon, which she ultimately lost by split decision.
This historic achievement for the Refugee Olympic Team, established in 2016, signifies the resilience and determination of athletes facing extraordinary challenges. The team consists of 37 athletes from over a dozen countries, united by their shared experience of displacement.
Ngamba’s journey to the Olympics has been particularly poignant. A lesbian in a country where her sexuality is illegal, she qualified for the games by right. Ngamba’s path to success was paved with adversity. Bullied in school for her English and weight, she found solace and strength in boxing. Despite Britain’s efforts to select her for their team, and unsuccessful appeals for her to receive a British passport, Ngamba persevered, ultimately representing the Refugee Olympic Team.
The bronze medal win is a testament to Ngamba’s unwavering spirit and serves as an inspiration to refugees around the world. Her journey underscores the power of sport to transcend borders and provide hope in the face of adversity.
