Cameroonian boxer Cindy Ngamba made history on Sunday as the first athlete from the Refugee Olympic Team to secure a medal at the Paris Games. Ngamba’s achievement shines a light on the struggles faced by refugees worldwide. She secured her victory after a tough match against French boxer Davina Michel in the women’s middleweight quarterfinals, guaranteeing her at least a bronze medal as she progresses to the semifinals.
Ngamba, who hails from Cameroon and is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, relocated to the United Kingdom at the age of 11. She was granted refugee status in 2021 due to the risk of imprisonment she faced for her sexual orientation in Cameroon. Boxing has provided Ngamba with a sense of escape and a platform to showcase her talent on the global stage.
While some members of the Refugee Olympic Team have previously won medals for their respective countries in past Games, Ngamba has been identified as a strong contender for a medal in Paris. The Refugee Team has garnered attention at the Paris Games, notably participating in the opening ceremonies by cruising along the Seine River, symbolizing their presence among the Olympic delegations.