Cindy Ngamba makes Olympic history as first refugee medalist
Cindy Ngamba, a 25-year-old boxer from Cameroon, has made history as the first refugee athlete to win an Olympic medal. Competing for the Refugee Olympic Team, Ngamba secured at least a bronze after a hard-fought victory against French boxer Davina Michel in the 75 kg quarterfinals at the Paris Games.
Ngamba, who moved to the UK at age 11 and gained refugee status in 2021 due to persecution for her homosexuality, expressed immense pride in her achievement.
“It means a lot to me to be the first refugee to win a medal. I want to tell all refugees worldwide: keep working hard, keep believing in yourself,” she said.
The Refugee Olympic Team, established by the IOC in 2016 to support displaced athletes, saw its largest contingent in Paris with 37 members.
Ngamba, the team’s flag bearer, highlighted the importance of the team’s mission to symbolize inclusion and equality.
Ngamba’s journey from Cameroon to the UK was marked by challenges, but she found strength and success in boxing.
Her victory in the quarterfinals was marked by resilience, overcoming boos from the French crowd to secure her spot in the semifinals.
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, praised Ngamba’s accomplishment, stating, “You make us all very, very proud! Now, on to gold.”
Ngamba’s win also comes as women’s boxing faces increased scrutiny, with recent incidents of online abuse against other female boxers.
As Ngamba prepares for her semifinal bout, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: winning gold.
“I hope in the next round; I will do it – I don’t hope. I will do it,” she said confidently.
Source: africanews
