On Sunday, middleweight boxer (70kg/165lbs) Cindy Ngamba won her quarterfinal bout over No. 6 seed Davina Michel of France — guaranteeing the displaced Cameroon native a medal, the first for athletes representing the Refugee Olympic Team.
En route to the quarterfinal, Ngamba bested Thailand's Baison Manikon in the Round of 16. Though she fought a hometown favorite at the North Paris Arena on Sunday — and won via a decisive 5-0 unanimous decision — the crowd seemed thrilled for both athletes, roaring with approval.
Ngamba currently resides in the United Kingdom, where she awaits citizenship — unable to return to her home country because she could be imprisoned for being gay in Cameroon. She served as the Refugee Olympic Team's flag bearer during the Paris 2024 Games' Opening Ceremony.
"The IOC Refugee Olympic Team sends a great signal about what an enrichment refugees are for our Olympic community and for society at large," said Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee.
"Watching them compete is a great moment for all of us, and we hope everyone will join. The athletes are welcome in our Olympic community, among their fellow athletes — competing with them, but also living with them together under one roof."