By Cape Verde, a small island nation of about 600,000 people, has secured its first-ever Olympic medal through boxer David De Pina’s quarterfinal victory in the men’s 51-kilogram division at the Paris 2024 Games. This historic achievement comes after seven previous Olympic appearances without a medal for Cape Verde.
De Pina defeated Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba in a closely contested match, showcasing a combination of athleticism and tactical intelligence. The Cape Verdean boxer’s victory not only guarantees him at least a bronze medal but also marks a monumental moment for sports in his country.
“I did it for my country because we deserve it,” De Pina said after his win. “We are a small country, a small island, and we never did this before. I’m the first one to write this story, ever!”
De Pina’s journey to this Olympic success has been challenging. He nearly gave up boxing before the Paris Olympic cycle due to financial struggles while training in Portugal. However, perseverance and new training under coach Bruno de Carvalho led to his qualification for the Games.
The boxer’s distinctive hairstyle, featuring two buns on the sides of his head, has become a symbol of his desire to stand out. His Cape Verdean supporters in the arena mimicked this style, creating a vibrant atmosphere during his bouts.
De Pina’s next challenge comes in the semifinals, where he will face Rio gold medalist Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan. Regardless of the outcome, De Pina has already made history for Cape Verde.
This achievement resonates beyond sports, highlighting Cape Verde’s potential on the global stage. As De Pina stated, “I showed the world that we are small, but we are strong and we are talented.”
The boxer’s success story serves as an inspiration not only for Cape Verde but for small nations worldwide, demonstrating that Olympic glory is attainable regardless of a country’s size or resources.
apnews.com
