In a groundbreaking moment at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, boxer Cindy Ngamba secured the first-ever Olympic medal for the Refugee Olympic Team. The 25-year-old athlete made history by winning a bronze medal in the 75kg category, marking a significant milestone for the team since its creation nearly a decade ago.
Though Cindy Ngamba lost her semifinal bout on Thursday to Atheyna Bylon of Panama—who will become Panama’s first female Olympic medalist—she still walked away with a bronze medal, thanks to the way Olympic boxing awards medals to semifinalists. Her achievement places her in the history books and is a moment of pride for refugees around the world.
“The Refugee Olympic Team is incredibly proud of Cindy Ngamba, the first-ever refugee athlete to win an Olympic medal,” the team posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Today, we are speechless. Cindy did it. Refugees did it!”
A Symbol of Hope for Refugees Worldwide
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) founded the Refugee Olympic Team in 2015 to highlight the struggles of refugees and provide a symbol of hope for displaced people worldwide. The team has grown significantly since its debut at the 2016 Rio Games, where it featured 10 athletes. In 2024, the team expanded to 37 athletes, competing across 15 sports, including badminton, cycling, swimming, and wrestling.
This year’s Games come amid an alarming rise in global displacement. In June, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported that nearly 120 million people worldwide were displaced in 2023, marking the 12th consecutive year of increased displacement. Cindy Ngamba’s win shines a light on the resilience and potential of refugees, showing that even amid adversity, they can achieve greatness on the world stage.
Cindy Ngamba’s Journey from Cameroon to the Olympic Podium
Cindy Ngamba’s journey began far from the glitz of the Olympics. She was born in Cameroon, a country in Central Africa, and moved to Bolton, England when she was just 11 years old. Initially, Ngamba’s interest was in soccer, but her path took a dramatic turn when she stumbled upon boxing at a local youth club at age 15.
“I was coming out of a football training session when I heard loud noises coming from another room. I peeked inside and saw boys punching each other, and I thought, ‘This is so cool,’” she told Olympics.com.
Without many girls to spar with, Cindy Ngamba trained hard and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a three-time national champion in three weight classes—light-heavy, middle, and light-middle. Her dedication paid off as she made her way to the top, eventually earning a spot on the Refugee Olympic Team.
Fighting for More Than Just Medals
Cindy Ngamba’s boxing career is not her only battle. Despite living in the United Kingdom for over a decade, the now-25-year-old has struggled to gain citizenship. She has faced numerous challenges due to her immigration status, even spending time in a detention camp and nearly being deported.
As a gay woman, Ngamba cannot safely return to Cameroon, where same-sex relationships are illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison. “If I was sent back, I could be in danger,” Ngamba said. “So, I was given refugee status to be safe and protected.”
Her determination to overcome these personal obstacles makes her Olympic achievement all the more meaningful. Earlier this year, boxer Cindy Ngamba became the first boxer to qualify for the Refugee Olympic Team, and she has long said that competing at the Olympics would be a dream come true.
A Standout Moment at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony
Cindy Ngamba played a significant role in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, proudly carrying the flag of the Refugee Olympic Team. The moment was even more special because her mother and some of her siblings live in Paris, making the achievement feel like a true homecoming.
Winning an Olympic medal not only cements Cindy Ngamba’s legacy but also serves as a powerful message to the millions of refugees around the world. “It means the world to be the first refugee athlete to win an Olympic medal,” she said. “But this is just the beginning—I’m aiming for a different-colour medal next time.”
An Inspiration for Millions of Refugees
Boxer Cindy Ngamba’s historic win is more than just a personal triumph; it is a victory for all refugees. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi praised Ngamba’s accomplishment as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the 120 million people displaced globally.
Addressing her fellow refugees, Ngamba said, “I want to say to all the refugees out there, and not just the athletes but anyone facing struggles, keep working hard and believe in yourself. You can achieve whatever you put your mind to.”
The Growing Impact of the Refugee Olympic Team
The Refugee Olympic Team has grown in size and importance, offering displaced athletes the chance to chase their dreams and compete among the world’s elite. Their presence at the Olympics embodies hope and resilience, and Cindy Ngamba’s groundbreaking bronze medal brings new depth to the team’s influence.
As the 2024 Summer Games conclude, Ngamba’s journey shines as a powerful testament to human resilience and the drive to overcome adversity. Her bronze medal represents a victory not only for her but for all refugees working toward a brighter future and a place to belong. Looking ahead, Ngamba has her sights set even higher, perhaps on a gold medal in future competitions. Meanwhile, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif also made waves with her own success, inspiring countless fans and marking a new chapter for women in boxing.
FAQs
Who is Cindy Ngamba?
Cindy Ngamba is a 25-year-old boxer born in Cameroon who became the first-ever athlete from the Refugee Olympic Team to win a medal at the Olympics, securing a bronze in the 75kg category at the 2024 Paris Games.
What is the Refugee Olympic Team?
The Refugee Olympic Team was created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2015 to raise awareness about the plight of refugees worldwide and offer a message of hope.
Why did Cindy Ngamba join the Refugee Olympic Team?
Ngamba joined the team because she was granted refugee status in the U.K. after fleeing Cameroon due to safety concerns. She has faced challenges obtaining U.K. citizenship despite living there for over a decade.
How did Cindy Ngamba perform at the Olympics?
Ngamba won a bronze medal in the 75kg boxing category, making history as the first Refugee Olympic Team athlete to achieve this feat.
What message does Cindy Ngamba have for refugees?
Ngamba encourages refugees to “keep working hard and believe in yourself,” saying that with determination, anything is possible.
