David de Pina, a boxer from Cape Verde, has achieved a milestone for his nation by securing its first-ever Olympic medal in Paris 2024.
The 28-year-old, hailing from Santiago, the largest island in the Atlantic archipelago, won bronze in the men’s flyweight category.
Standing just five foot four inches tall, de Pina has quickly adapted to his newfound status as a national hero.
“I’m thrilled to have achieved this first medal for my country,” de Pina told BBC Sport Africa. “We’ve shown that anything is possible, and I’m proud to bring this happiness to Cape Verde.”
Following his quarter-final victory, the boxer received a congratulatory call from Cape Verde’s Prime Minister and has been inundated with messages of support, which he has struggled to respond to.
“I feel a bit guilty for not being able to reply to everyone,” he admitted, “but the love and respect I’ve received are overwhelming.”
Cape Verde, with a population of just over 560,000, has seen limited success on the international sports stage since its independence from Portugal in 1975.
While the country’s footballers have made notable achievements, such as reaching the quarter-finals in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and 2023, Olympic success has yet to be achieved.
De Pina, who was Cape Verde’s flagbearer at the Paris Games, stood out with his unique hairstyle, featuring two large black buns, which drew comparisons to Mickey Mouse.
This distinctive look, encouraged by his coach to set him apart from other African athletes, has inspired some fans to mimic his style.
Personal sacrifices have marked the boxer’s journey to Olympic success. De Pina took up boxing at 15 after being bullied and later moved to Lisbon for training, leaving his young daughter behind.
To support his family while training, he worked as a carpenter, balancing the demands of both jobs.
Despite losing his semi-final bout to Rio 2016 Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov, de Pina remains optimistic and dedicated to his sport. He hopes his success will inspire future athletes across Africa.
“If you are a poor kid or an African kid, you just have to fight for your dreams,” de Pina said. “Dedicate yourself, believe, and good results will come.”
As Cape Verde celebrates its historic achievement, de Pina is already looking forward to future challenges and opportunities, with aspirations to earn a gold medal.
