Cindy Ngamba has made history at the Olympics, even though she lost in the semi-finals of the women’s middleweight boxing. The 25-year-old had already guaranteed herself a medal by making it to the semi-final against Atheyna Bylon from Panama. Unfortunately, she couldn’t advance to the final and lost on points after three rounds. Despite this setback, her performance in Paris earned her a bronze medal, making her the first-ever Olympian to secure a medal for the IOC refugee team.
During the match in Roland Garros in Paris, the crowd was heard chanting Cindy’s name while waving Union Jacks in support. Despite facing a tough battle, the Panamanian opponent drew criticism from fans and even received a point penalty in the third round. The match started energetically, with Ngamba getting clipped a few times by Bylon. Although she grew into the round, she struggled to land punches, resulting in Bylon winning the first round unanimously.
The second round began with a wrestling-like start, but both fighters managed to land good body shots. Ngamba’s flurry of punches cheered on by the crowd helped level the contest. Bylon started the third round with a tidy uppercut but was penalized for repeated holding. Ngamba broke through and landed a few more blows, but ultimately Bylon was declared the winner.
Ngamba, who was born in Cameroon but grew up in Bolton, came out as gay at the age of 18. Due to her situation, she is unable to return to Cameroon and is currently an asylum seeker without citizenship in the UK. This prevented her from representing Team GB at the Olympics, leading her to compete as part of the Refugee Olympic Team, for which she was the flagbearer during the opening ceremony.
Training at the Elite Boxing Gym in Bolton, Ngamba had already secured her place in history by reaching the semi-final and becoming the first member of the Refugee Olympic Team to win a medal at the Games. Despite the outcome of tonight’s fight, Ngamba’s journey and achievements have inspired many and showcased her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
