Cindy Ngamba will be aiming for the ultimate prize—Olympic gold—as she goes off against Atheyna Bylon from Panama in the women’s boxing semifinals at the 2024 Olympic Games. The match is scheduled to take place at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, with a start time of 9.18 pm Cameroon time, according to the official Olympics schedule. Ngamba, driven by an unwavering determination, is now setting their sights on the ultimate prize after already making history with a medal for the Refugee Olympic Team. Her confidence remains strong, as she declared with a smile, “Hopefully in the next round, I will get the job done, not hopefully. I will get it done.”
On Sunday, August 4, 2024, Cindy Ngamba, a 25-year-old athlete originally from Cameroon and currently residing in the UK, achieved a remarkable feat by guaranteeing an Olympic bronze medal, marking a significant milestone for refugees. This accomplishment not only confirm her exceptional skill but also draws international focus to the Refugee Olympic Team, which was established to shed light on the challenges faced by refugees worldwide.
In the women’s 75-kilogram quarterfinals at the Paris Games, Ngamba went head-to-head with French boxer Davina Michel. The bout occurred at the North Paris Arena, with Michel receiving enthusiastic support from the passionate French crowd. Nevertheless, Ngamba, who had previously emerged victorious against the Canadian 2022 world champion Tammara Thibeault, stepped into the ring with an unwavering resolve. In the face of resounding applause for Michel, Ngamba maintained her composure and adhered to her coach’s strategies, ultimately achieving a unanimous victory.
Following her victory, Ngamba conveyed the profound importance of her achievement, expressing to journalists that being the first refugee to secure a medal held immense significance for her. She discussed the emotional journey she embarked on and the scepticism she encountered, particularly highlighting the negative reaction from the crowd when she stepped into the ring. “It means the world to me,” she said, reflecting on her victory.
Ngamba’s victory coincides with a period of increased attention on women’s boxing. In recent events, athletes such as Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan and Imanae Khelif of Algeria have unfortunately been subjected to online abuse, with baseless accusations questioning their gender identity or suggesting they are men. In spite of facing criticism, both fighters emerged victorious over the weekend.
Ngamba’s accomplishment is a great moment for the Refugee Olympic Team, her community in Bolton where she has been since the age of 11, and the broader Cameroonian community, which still sees her as one of theirs. Her remarkable journey, from initially encountering doubt to ultimately achieving an Olympic medal, has become a source of immense inspiration for countless individuals. As she prepares to enter the ring for the semifinals today, fans will be tuning in across the world to show their support as she strives for the ultimate prize.
