Boxer Cindy Ngamba secured a significant victory in the round of 16 of the women’s 75kg class at the Tokyo Olympics, defeating third-seeded Canadian Tammara Thibeault by split decision (3-2). This win has propelled the IOC Refugee Olympic Team within striking distance of its first-ever medal.
Ngamba, originally from Cameroon, relocated to the UK at the age of 10. Her journey to this momentous win has been marked by challenges, including a brush with deportation in 2019 when it was revealed that she was residing in the UK without a British passport. Fortunately, she was granted refugee status, allowing her to continue pursuing her boxing career.
At 25 years old, Ngamba faces additional obstacles as she is unable to return to Cameroon due to her sexual orientation. Homosexuality remains illegal in her home country, underscoring the importance of her representation on the IOC Refugee Olympic Team.
Ngamba’s next opponent in the quarterfinals is the No. 6 seed, Davina Michel of France. A victory in this upcoming match would secure a medal for the refugee team, as both losing semifinalists in boxing are awarded a bronze.
