Cindy Ngamba Earns Refugee Olympic Team’s First Medal

Cindy Ngamba made history by guaranteeing the Refugee Olympic Team its first-ever medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 25-year-old boxer secured her spot in the women’s 75kg semi-finals after defeating France’s Davina Michel by unanimous decision. Consequently, with both losing semi-finalists receiving bronze medals, Ngamba will stand on the podium. Born in Cameroon, Ngamba moved to the UK at age 10 but cannot compete for Team GB due to the lack of a British passport.

Ngamba expressed immense pride in her achievement, stating, “It means the world to me to be the first-ever refugee to win a medal. I’m just a human, like any other refugee and athlete around the world.” She will face Atheyna Bylon of Panama in the semi-finals on Thursday. Moreover, Ngamba, the flagbearer for the Refugee Olympic Team at the opening ceremony, remains determined to continue her success, confidently stating, “I will get it done.”

Ngamba’s journey to the Olympics has involved numerous challenges. Unable to return to Cameroon due to her sexuality, which could result in imprisonment, she has spent 15 years in England fighting for a visa and UK citizenship. Five years ago, she faced deportation after what she thought was a routine signing-on process. Authorities arrested her along with her brother and sent them to a detention camp before releasing them the next day.

Despite efforts by GB Boxing to include Cindy Ngamba in their Olympic programme including a request to the Home Office for her citizenship, she still lacks a British passport. Nevertheless, Ngamba persevered and won a scholarship with the IOC refugee team becoming the first female boxer to represent them at the Games. Therefore, her story showcases resilience and determination, highlighting the challenges faced by refugee athletes worldwide.