– I know that I can push myself a little further, because so far I have been through everything in life.

Cindy Ngamba tells of Discovery.

He is one of the athletes for the international national team for refugees who will compete in the European Games this week. With that, the Olympics in Paris is in sight as the next goal.

Found fist by accident

Going back 13 years, Ngamba has left his mother and moved to Great Britain with his brother. He did not know English, was often bullied by his classmates, and had no mother to turn to for help.

– Life is scary at first.

His salvation came through exercise. He started playing soccer when he was 15 years old, but that was not what he wanted to do. Coincidence led him to find a boxing ring.

– One day after training, a group of sweaty guys came out of a room. I went to look, and found a boxing gym. I just started smiling, and asked one of the coaches when training started.

The next day he returned, ready to start boxing training. But it took a year before he was allowed into the ring.

– We jump rope for 30 minutes to warm up. After we finished, everyone was told to put on boxing gloves, except me. I had to jump rope for 90 minutes, and then it was time to go home.

Ngamba returned the next day, to jump even further.

– I came back every day for a year, and then the coach said it was time to put on the gloves, he said.

Almost deported

The 24-year-old man was nearly deported to Cameroon in 2019 after being held in an internment camp. Being forced to return to his home country could have serious consequences for the boxer. He is openly gay, which is illegal in Cameroon.

– I am grateful that I am protected and able to be in the UK. it is sad and shocking to think that a country can judge someone based on their sexuality.

– In England, people never ask me about my sexuality, but I’m very open and have no problem talking about it.

When he had to tell his family, he didn’t hide that he was scared.

– They’re not surprised at all. My mother had a more traditional viewpoint at first.

Olympic gold is the goal

The boxer believes that what he has experienced – his escape, his bullying and his sexuality – has made him a better boxer.

– When I’m in the ring, and they say there’s 30 seconds left, I know I can make it through, after everything I’ve been through in life.

When he wished to walk into the fire in Paris, his goal was clear:

– Standing on stage with my gold medal is the goal. That’s what I practice every day.

Did you bring this with you?