Earlier this year, 25-year-old Cindy Ngamba created history by being the first boxer ever to be selected for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refugee squad.
Her love for boxing ignited a decade ago. The memory remains vivid: “When I stepped into that room, I saw a bunch of sweaty boys, and it felt like a blast of steam from their intense workouts hit me. All I could hear was the rhythmic thud of punches on bags, the ring of punches landing, the swift movements of shadowboxing, skipping ropes, and the strange sounds of impact. That’s when I fell in love with the sport. That’s when I knew I was hooked…”
Coming from a continent where football dominates, Ngamba initially thought that sport would define her life. However, her perspective shifted once she delved into the world of boxing and began studying its legendary figures.
“When I began my boxing journey, the figures I always admired and watched were Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. They are the role models and idols for every boxer, whether from the new generation or the old,” explained the boxer born in Cameroon.
Now, having achieved her own titles and grown in the sport over the years, she has encountered new sources of inspiration: “There are numerous female boxers globally, and in the amateur ranks, like Savannah Marshall, Natasha Jonas, Chantelle Cameron, Lauren Price, and many others, including Karriss (Artingstall).”
Persistence and confidence
At the age of ten, Ngamba immigrated to the UK. Ngamba’s road has not been simple.
When she and her brother Kennet were detained and taken to a detention camp in London five years ago, she believed her stay in the country was over.
Because of her sexual orientation, Ngamba is unable to go back to Cameroon, and the idea of being returned there was terrifying.
The African nation’s legislation on homosexuality carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.
Although her immigration status was in doubt, she and Kennet were eventually allowed to stay in the United Kingdom. In 2020, she was granted refugee status, allowing her to work toward her Olympic goal.
She now reflects that the experience has instilled in her a toughness and self-assurance that has proven invaluable in the ring.
“In that situation… you either crumble or you stand tall and resilient. I chose to stand tall and resilient,” she remarked. “If I can endure that moment in life and remain strong despite whatever challenges come my way, I know I can always lift myself up.”
She continues to pursue UK citizenship while working her way through school and earning a degree in criminology.
As for her ambitions for Paris 2024? She has her sights set firmly on the top of the podium.
“The Olympic goal is to aim for gold, no doubt about it!”
“Everyone aims for gold, and that’s the ultimate goal,” she emphasized. “I’ll give it my all, work hard, and like every refugee athlete, we strive for the highest achievements.”
She will join 36 other athletes from the IOC refugee team heading to Paris.
