Madias Ngake, the Olympic medallist who has never held her medal, is poised to make a significant return to a major multi-sport event, competing for England at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. This marks her second appearance at the Games, 16 years after her debut in India.
Ngake's Olympic medal, from London 2012, was awarded seven years late after three weightlifters above her were disqualified for doping offences. She has not returned to Cameroon in 14 years and suspects the medal remains in a drawer there.
Her decision to stay in the UK after the 2012 Games was driven by a perceived need for "safety and freedom" from persecution, as homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon. She spent months homeless before applying for asylum and later worked as an office cleaner for nine years in Leeds and Nottingham.
Ngake returned to weightlifting four years ago, encouraged by a former coach. Since then, she has won gold at the British International, silver at the 2024 World Championships for Great Britain, and European honours. Now based in Nottingham, she heads into Glasgow 2026 as the top seed in the women's 86kg division.