Boxer and refugee athlete Cindy Ngamba has won the first-ever medal for the Refugee Olympic Team in Paris, after she claimed bronze medal in the women’s 75kg category.

Originally from Cameroon, Ms Ngamba fled her home country and found refuge in the UK at the age of 11.

Overcoming language barriers and adversity, she discovered her passion for boxing at a local youth club. Her dedication and hard work have now culminated in this historic achievement on the world stage.

Ms Ngamba faced Panama’s Atheyna Bylon in the semi-final bout. Her opponent, a seasoned boxer and former world champion, presented a formidable challenge.

In her quarterfinal bout, Ms Ngamba defeated Davina Michel of France, securing her place in the semifinals and guaranteeing at least a bronze medal.

“It means the world to me to be the first ever refugee athlete to win a medal. I hope I can change the [colour of] the medal on my next fight – in fact, I will change it,” Ms Ngamba said after the fight. 

She added: “I was fighting a very tough opponent today … but I listened to my trainers and coaches, I stuck to the tactics and I stayed calm and composed.”

Her historic achievement will send a powerful message of hope to some 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. 

“I want to say to refugees all around the world, including refugees who are not athletes around the world – keep on working, keep on believing in yourself, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to,” she said. 

Ms Ngamba’s medal-winning feat is only the latest challenge the 25-year-old has overcome to make it to Paris as the first-ever refugee boxer to qualify for the Olympics.

After fleeing her home country, she arrived in the UK at the age of 11, unable to speak English.

She faced bullying and loneliness at school until she discovered boxing by chance at her local youth club in Bolton.

Initially, there were no other girls for her to train with and she had to spar with boys, but she soon began travelling for fights. She won the first of three national championships in 2019.

Her training for the Olympics was supported by the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) through its Refugee Athletes Scholarship Program, which is funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Her mother, aunt and some of her siblings live in Paris, which has made her Olympic dream even more special.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi congratulated Ms Ngamba.

“In reaching the boxing semi-finals at Paris 2024 and being assured of a medal – the first ever medal for the Refugee Olympic team. You do us all very, very proud!” he said. 

Ngamba is one of 37 athletes competing in Paris as part of the refugee team, which was created by the IOC to give displaced sportspeople the chance to compete at the highest level.

She was also one of the flagbearers at the opening ceremony, along with Yahya Al Ghotany, a taekwondo athlete who lives in Jordan’s Azraq Refugee Camp. 

The first-ever refugee team took part in the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, followed by a 29-strong team competing at Tokyo 2020. 

Australia for UNHCR CEO Trudi Mitchell said: “Cindy’s victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of refugees everywhere. Becoming an Olympic athlete is an incredible feat, made much more difficult for some who have been forced to flee their home countries. Cindy’s success not only brings pride to the Refugee Olympic Team but will inspire displaced people to pursue their dreams despite the challenges they face.”

“The Refugee Olympic Team was founded as a symbol of hope and inspiration for refugees everywhere. This milestone by Cindy Ngamba reminds us what refugees can do when their talent is recognised and supported, and when they are given opportunities to reach their full potential,” she said.