There are at least 193 out LGBTQ athletes competing at the Paris Olympics; yet, there is no one quite like Cindy Ngamba. Born in Cameroon, residing in Bolton, England, and competing for the Refugee Olympic Team, Ngamba’s journey at the Olympics has been nothing short of remarkable and has culminated in an historic achievement that will resonate for years to come.
Cindy Ngamba’s pursuit of an Olympic medal in Paris started on July 31st when she faced off against Canada’s Tammara Amanda in a tense match. In a split-decision ending, Ngamba narrowly defeated her opponent, securing her place in the next round.
Four days later, she returned to the ring with her eyes set on making history. This time, she was up against France’s Davina Michel. Unlike in the preliminaries, Ngamba emerged victorious with a decisive 5-0 unanimous decision from the judges. This victory in the quarterfinals not only secured her a spot in the semifinals, but also guaranteed that she would leave Paris with an Olympic medal–the first ever for a member of the Refugee Olympic Team. After Tuesday’s 4-1 decision for Panama’s Atheyna Bylon, Ngamba’s pursuit of an Olympic gold medal has come to a close. While this was not the result Ngamba wanted, she has undoubtedly left spectators around the world in awe of her historic bronze medal run.
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In boxing, winning a quarterfinal match guarantees a spot on the podium because the traditional three-person podium is expanded to accommodate two bronze medalists. When boxing first made its Olympic debut in 1904, the losing semi-finalists competed in a bronze medal match to determine third place. However, in the 1950s, the International Boxing Association (AIBA)–recognizing the serious health risks posed by the short time between the semifinal and bronze medal matches–decided to discontinue bronze medal matches. Between 1950 and 1970, the losing semi-finalists were awarded Olympic diplomas instead of medals. In 1970, the AIBA proposed that the International Olympic Committee award a bronze medal to each losing semi-finalist. Since then, boxing has been one of the few Olympic sports to award two bronze medals.
Since the Refugee Olympic Team was first introduced in 2016 none of its athletes had won an Olympic medal… that was until Ngamba arrived on the scene. Her historic achievement marks a new chapter for the Refugee Olympic Team and serves as an inspiration for refugees and displaced peoples worldwide.
Cindy Ngamba’s journey to the Paris Olympics began long before she stepped into the ring last week. In 2009, she and her family fled Cameroon during a period of civil unrest, seeking refuge in Bolton, England. Despite the challenges she faced as a refugee, Ngamba’s determination never wavered. In 2022, after coming out as gay, she was granted asylum in the UK. Had she returned to Cameroon, where LGBTQ people are criminalized, she could have faced prison time.
Her coach, Nick Rayner, highlighted her indomitable fighting spirit, saying, “Cindy is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. She hasn’t had it easy. She just wants to be a Brit. She’s faced so many hurdles. All the way through life, she’s been told that she can’t be or do something.” But Ngamba’s objectors have become her greatest motivators, pushing her to reach the height of her sport as inspires refugees on the world’s largest athletic stage.
Ross Murray, the Vice President of the GLAAD Media Institute, offers heartfelt congratulations to Cindy for her spectacular Olympic run, saying, “Congratulations to Cindy Djankeu Ngamba on her historic Olympic bronze medal! As the first person representing the Refugee Olympic Team to win an Olympic medal, and as an LGBTQ woman of color from Cameroon, Cindy has shattered barriers and inspired others with her courage and resilience. Her triumph is not only a victory for sport but also a powerful statement for LGBTQ rights and the dignity of refugees worldwide.”
As we head into the final days of the Paris 2024 Olympics, there is one name that will never be forgotten: Cindy Ngamba, Olympic bronze medalist, a champion and trailblazer both in and out of the ring.
To ensure comprehensive and fair coverage of LGBTQ olympians, GLAAD’s 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Guide was created in collaboration with Athlete Ally and Pride House France, and produced by the GLAAD Media Institute, GLAAD’s training, research and consulting division. Learn more at GLAAD.org/Institute and support GLAAD’s work here.