Ngamba Makes History as First Refugee Olympic Medalist at Paris Games

In a groundbreaking achievement, 25-year-old boxer Ngamba from Cameroon has become the first refugee to win a medal at the Olympic Games, representing the Refugee Olympic Team. Her victory in the women’s 75-kilogram quarterfinals against French boxer Davina Michel captivated a passionate crowd in Paris. “It means the world to me to be the first ever refugee to win a medal,” Ngamba expressed, encouraging fellow refugees to persevere and believe in themselves. Ngamba, who moved to the United Kingdom at age 11, was granted refugee status in 2021 due to the threat of imprisonment for her sexual orientation in Cameroon. She shared her journey of adapting to life in the U.K., transitioning from a lively child to an introverted teenager as she learned English. Boxing became her refuge, and she found a sense of belonging within the Olympic team, which comprises 37 athletes, the largest since the initiative began in 2016. The success of Ngamba and her teammates comes amid a global crisis, with over 100 million people forcibly displaced. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi highlighted the team as a symbol of inclusion and achievement for refugees worldwide. Both Ngamba and Michel won their respective matches, with the International Olympic Committee supporting their participation and urging against any negative scrutiny. As Ngamba looks ahead to her next match, she remains focused on her goal of winning gold, stating, “I will get it done,” while continuing to inspire hope among refugees everywhere.