A Bolton Olympian has delivered a ‘powerful message’ to primary school students in the borough.

Paris 2024 bronze medallist Cindy Ngamba visited Gilnow Primary School on Monday, October 7.

The Olympian – who got her start aged 14 at Bolton Lads’ and Girls’ Club – was the first-ever member of the Refugee Olympic Team to win a medal.

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Gilnow Primary School headteacher Kate Hesketh said: “She spoke to the children about her Olympic experience, learning how to be a boxer and what it was like to be a young person growing up in Bolton. 

“Cindy was keen for the children to hear how somebody with similar life experiences to their own had achieved something so amazing. 

“This was a powerful message that they took away from the visit.

“The children also loved having the chance to see her Olympic bronze medal.”

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Cindy has not had an easy road to victory. Coming to Bolton aged 11 from her native Cameroon, she had no idea she was not officially documented in the UK.

She eventually found out the truth when it came time to apply for university – leading to her being arrested and spending time in a detention camp.

The athlete, who is LGBT+, now has refugee status – though this still makes it difficult for her to travel to other countries, such as France, where her mother lives.

In August, Cindy beat French boxer Davina Michel on points by a unanimous decision to reach the 75kg boxing semi-finals – guaranteeing her a bronze medal.

This meant she had become the first Refugee Olympic Team athlete to win a medal since the team was created in 2015.

Cindy was eventually defeated in the middleweight semi-final, being beaten by Panama's Atheyna Bylon.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.