At the Paris Olympics, a female boxer has made history by becoming the first medalist from the Refugee Olympic Team.
Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba defeated a French opponent in the women’s 75-kilogram class boxing quarterfinal with a unanimous decision by five judges on Sunday.
She is now guaranteed at least a bronze medal.
The 25-year-old from the African nation of Cameroon has come out as gay and has been given refugee status in Britain. Homosexuality is illegal in her home country.
After her victory, Djankeu Ngamba pointed to the team’s logo on her uniform.
She said, “I’m happy that I’m able to achieve what I achieved.”
She also said she wants to tell refugees that they can achieve anything if they “work hard, stay disciplined and very focused.”
The Refugee Olympic Team debuted at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games to provide athletes who had to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution with opportunities to compete in the Olympic or Paralympic Games.
Djankeu Ngamba’s semifinal match will be held on Thursday.