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Background
Meet Cindy Ngamba, the 26-year-old Olympian who grew up in England and trains with Team GB but will not represent them. Ngamba left Cameroon for Britain at the age of 11, where she has become a three-time English boxing champion.
Refugee Team
Despite training with Team GB, Ngamba represents the Olympic Refugee team. She considers herself a part of Great Britain, having lived in England for over half her life, attending school and university, and having family in the UK.
Challenges
If Ngamba were to return to Cameroon, she risks jail time due to criminalized same-sex sexual activity. She received asylum papers in 2020 and is pursuing her boxing career.
Olympic Journey
Ngamba's Olympic dream became a reality with sponsorship from the Olympic Refugee Federation. She is set to compete in the middleweight bracket against Tammara Thibeault of Canada.
Future Prospects
While there is hope for Ngamba to gain citizenship and compete for Team GB in the 2028 LA Olympics, she remains focused on the present and winning a medal in the current Games.
