Cindy Ngamba Boxes For Visibility and Representation

In the lead-up to the Summer of Sport in Paris, Hypebae has teamed up with Nike to spotlight four boundary-breaking athletes as they gear up to represent their respective countries.

Following pro-skater Lore Bruggeman, the latest installment of Day in the Life explores the resilient journey of boxer Cindy Ngamba.

Possessing an innate talent and natural athleticism, sport has always played a major part in her life. Having initially joined the local football team, it was only after stumbling across a gym in Bolton, UK on the way back from a training session that she discovered her true calling: boxing.

“I like to run outside because I feel free,” Ngamba says as she takes Hypebae through her training routine. “Even when I’m boxing – when I’m moving and throwing punches, I feel free.” Dedicated to being the best and continually conquering new challenges, it’s the release she gets from the sport that fuels her drive, and while her community gym “not only provides support but helps mentally as an athlete” it also offers the tools she needs on the path to gold.

Born in Cameroon, she and her family relocated to the UK at 10 years old in search of a better future. Despite growing up in the UK, attending school, and earning a university degree as well as the backing and glowing recommendations by Team GB – Ngamba still hasn’t been granted British citizenship. Breaking boundaries, however, is ingrained into her story, and in the face of the toughest adversities she never gave up.

One of her lifelong ambitions is to compete at the Olympic Games — getting the opportunity to showcase her talent on the world stage, and her immigration status wasn’t going to get in the way of her dreams.

While she’s not eligible to hold the flag for Great Britain, she can participate through the Refugee Olympic Team — officially introduced in 2016 by independent Olympians as a symbol of hope and awareness of the global refugee crisis – becoming the first boxer to ever qualify for the team.

Family is her support system, keeping her grounded when times get tough. And being around her siblings, as well as getting invaluable advice from her coach, is how she takes a break from the strenuous days of training at the gym. “I’m excited to compete in Paris this summer and represent the refugee team as the first boxer to qualify,” Ngamba concludes.

Check out Cindy Ngamba’s Day in the Life in the video above and stay tuned to see more from Nike's athletes.

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