Cindy Ngamba Makes Olympic History at Paris 2024
Cindy Ngamba has etched her name into the annals of Olympic history by becoming the first member of the refugee team to secure an Olympic medal, achieving this milestone by defeating Davina Michel to reach the middleweight semi-finals at Paris 2024.
Now guaranteed at least a bronze medal, Ngamba is set to face Panama’s Atheyna Bylon, a former World champion, on Thursday night at Roland Garros for a chance to compete for gold.
Ngamba began her Olympic campaign with a stunning upset, overcoming Canada’s renowned World champion Tammara Thibeault in a remarkable bout. She followed this with a victory over the popular local boxer Michel, thrilling a packed French audience.
Reflecting on her journey, Ngamba remarked, “I only heard the boos as I was walking to the ring. Straight after, I only listened to my coaches and myself, and I got the job done.” She emphasized the importance of self-belief, stating, “People may not believe in you. For instance, many French fans didn’t believe in me. You have to keep working hard and believe in yourself. You can achieve whatever you put your mind to.”
Ngamba’s achievement as the first refugee team member to win a medal holds deep personal significance to her. “It means the world to me. I’m just human, like any other refugee. There are refugees all around the world.”
Based in Bolton, Ngamba’s rise to fame in the boxing world has not gone unnoticed. A three-weight England Boxing national champion, she trains under the Great Britain setup alongside esteemed athletes, including Lauren Price, the Tokyo Games middleweight gold medalist.
Her training experience extends to sparring sessions with multiple world champions, including Savannah Marshall and Chantelle Cameron, who have recognized her skill and progress in the sport. Natasha Jonas lauded Ngamba’s development, noting, “She has developed, she has gotten better… to be the best in England or GB is different from being the best in the world, but she is learning those skills and gaining invaluable international experience.”
Jonas highlighted Ngamba’s growing confidence, stating, “She now knows how good she is. I think she believes in her potential to be a real danger.”
As Ngamba approaches the final stages of Olympic competition, the focus not only remains on securing victory but also on cherishing the unique experience of the Olympic Games. Jonas urged her to savor the moment: “Enjoy it, record it, and take lots of pictures. So many will never experience this, so appreciate the journey.”
With her determination and impressive skill set, Cindy Ngamba is not only a source of inspiration for refugees worldwide but also a formidable competitor on the global stage as she aims for Olympic gold.
