Refugee boxer Cindy Ngamba

Cindy Ngamba, a member of the Refugee Olympic Team, made history by winning the first-ever Olympic medal for the team, securing a bronze in the women’s 75kg boxing division at the Paris 2024 Games. Despite a valiant effort in the semi-final against Atheyna Bylon of Panama, Ngamba was edged out by a split decision after a closely contested match. Her journey to this achievement is remarkable, as she fled Cameroon at age 11 due to her sexual orientation and sought asylum in the UK, where she developed her boxing career. Ngamba's success has drawn attention to the challenges faced by refugees and has provided inspiration, as she encourages others to believe in themselves. The match was a bittersweet moment, celebrated by the audience yet marked by the disappointment of the loss, with many recognizing the significance of her achievement in the face of adversity. Ngamba's story has been compared to that of Mo Farah, highlighting her resilience and the support from her British boxing team.