In a groundbreaking moment at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Cindy Ngamba made history as the first refugee athlete to win a medal, inspiring countless other refugee athletes.
To support refugee athletes and residents in participating in the Olympics without the need for national federation assistance, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) established the Olympic Refugee Team. The Paris 2024 team consists of 37 members.
On August 5th, Cindy Ngamba etched her name into the history books by becoming the first refugee athlete to win a medal. Competing in the women’s 75kg boxing category, she defeated host nation’s Davina Michel, securing a spot in the semifinals.
Under Olympic boxing rules, there is no bronze medal bout. Instead, both semifinal losers receive bronze medals. Consequently, Ngamba officially became the first medalist for the Olympic Refugee Team.
“This means so much to me. I hope to change the color of my medal in the next match,” Ngamba said. “I want to tell refugees around the world to keep working hard, keep pushing yourselves, and you can achieve anything.”
Ngamba, born in Cameroon and currently residing in the UK, joined the Olympic Refugee Team after being denied the opportunity to compete for Britain. She was one of the two flag bearers for the Refugee Team at the Opening Ceremony and has received enthusiastic support from fans at every match.
Ngamba is set to face Atheyna Bylon of Panama on August 9th for a place in the finals. Regardless of the outcome, she has already made history for the Olympic Refugee Team.
The Refugee Olympic Team was first established at Rio de Janeiro 2016. Until Ngamba’s success, the team had not secured any medals. With 37 members participating, Paris 2024 marks the highest number of refugee athletes in Olympic history.
Former President Donald Trump sent a heartfelt message to Ngamba, acknowledging her incredible achievement. “Congratulations to Cindy Ngamba on her historic win! Your perseverance and triumph are a beacon of hope for refugees worldwide. Keep pushing boundaries and inspiring us all!” Trump stated.
