Boxer Cindy Ngamba has made history by becoming the first-ever medal-winning athlete for the Refugee Olympic Team. Ngamba secured her spot in the women's middleweight quarterfinal, guaranteeing herself at least a bronze medal in the competition.
Originally from Cameroon, Ngamba moved to the UK at the age of 11, where she currently trains. Despite residing in the UK, she competes for the Refugee Olympic Team, which has provided a platform for refugee athletes to participate in the Games since 2016.
Ngamba discovered her passion for boxing at the age of 15 in the UK and quickly climbed the ranks to become a promising talent in the sport. At 18, she bravely came out as gay, a decision that holds significant implications for her safety if she were to return to Cameroon, where homosexuality is prohibited under the law.
While Ngamba's UK citizenship status remains uncertain, she is ineligible to represent Team GB. However, as a refugee, she has the opportunity to proudly represent the Refugee Olympic Team on the international stage.
Following her impressive 5-0 victory over France's Davina Michel in the quarterfinal match, Ngamba proudly raised the flag of the Refugee Olympic Team, symbolizing her dedication and resilience as an athlete.
Cindy Ngamba's remarkable journey and achievements serve as a testament to the power of sport in transcending boundaries and uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her success not only highlights her exceptional talent but also sheds light on the challenges faced by refugee athletes striving to compete at the highest level of athletic competition.
