But Ngamba still had to earn her spot at Paris 2024, which she did, qualifying by winning in the quarter-finals at the 1st World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
“When my name was said, it was overwhelming,” Ngamba says.
“[Being a] refugee [athlete] to me is life-changing. So many doors open, so much potential for people in the team. It’s a big family, I’m just one of millions [of refugees] all around the world and I’m one of the 37 refugee Olympic athletes that were chosen to represent the Refugee Team in the Olympics and hopefully we can make all the other refugees out there proud.
“Every refugee athlete, the only difference [between us and others] is because this world gives us the label ‘refugee’. We’re hungry just like any other athlete. We are human.”
In Paris, Ngamba beat Canada’s Tammara Thibeault in the first round on a split decision. “I think I kind of shocked the world because people thought I was going to lose, but thank God I came out on top,” she mentions in the film.
Family members travelled from Cameroon and London for her second bout against France’s Davina Michel, a win by unanimous decision which ultimately sent her into the semi-finals and guaranteed her medal.
“I hope every refugee all around the world can see my story, and it motivates them and gives them something to look up to,” she says.
“That tough pathway they’re going through, that dark area they’re stuck in, that’s going to end and there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Watch the Personal Best: Paris 2024 film now on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and on the Olympics mobile app.