Guillaume Junior Atangana: From Refugee to World Champion

In a moment that will echo through the history of Para athletics, Guillaume Junior Atangana sprinted to victory in the men’s 400m T11 final at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, becoming the first-ever refugee athlete to win a world title. Guided by Donard Ndim Nyamjua, also a refugee athlete, Atangana crossed the finish line in a season-best time of 51.95 seconds, securing a landmark win that symbolises resilience, determination, and the power of sport. 

His journey to India was made possible through an International Paralympic Committee (IPC) competition grant for refugee athletes. The grant, part of the broader Sport for Mobility programme, is designed to increase access to international competition events for persons with disabilities at all levels — from grassroots to elite competition. It enabled Atangana and his guide to travel to New Delhi and compete, overcoming one of the many barriers refugee athletes often face in reaching the international stage. 

The Sport for Mobility programme is funded thanks to a grant from the Toyota Mobility Foundation, and is a cornerstone of the IPC’s commitment to Para sport for development. By working with member organisations, the IPC is strengthening the sport ecosystem, developing athletes, and building inclusive communities. Through investments in athlete development, leadership, and participation, the programme includes support for training and competition opportunities for Refugee Paralympic Team athletes. 

Atangana first competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, finishing fourth in the 400m T11, just shy of a medal. He later fled to England, where he continued training and eventually qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as part of the Refugee Paralympic Team (RPT).  

Atangana was also selected as one of two flagbearers for the RPT during the Opening Ceremony in Paris, a moment he learned of during a personal call from IPC President Andrew Parsons. He went on to win bronze in the 400m T11 at the Games, becoming a symbol of hope for more than 120 million displaced persons worldwide. His gold medal in New Delhi almost a year later is not only a personal triumph but a powerful statement for refugees and people with disabilities everywhere. 

Atangana said: “For me, it’s a great honour to have won this medal, to be the first refugee athlete to win a gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships. And I’m very happy about it. I know this is just the beginning. I will continue working [hard]. 

“My message to all refugees around the world is simply: do sport! With sport, it’s not just about winning medals or becoming a great champion. First of all, sport helps us in our daily lives, it helps with health. It protects us from stress. Doing sport is a very good thing, and through sport, we have fun.  

“There are no limits. Even if you’re a refugee, no matter where you are, there are organisations out there to help us. So, you can keep following your dream.” 

Kristina Molloy, IPC’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, reflected on the significance of his achievement: “Guillaume’s victory is more than a sporting milestone, it’s a profound reminder of what’s possible when we invest in inclusive pathways for persons with disabilities. Through the Sport for Mobility programme, we’re not just helping athletes reach the starting line or the podium; we’re reducing barriers to access and supporting a new generation of Para sport heroes.  

“This initiative is about more than medals, it’s about dignity, opportunity, and hope. Guillaume’s journey is just one example of how Para sport can be a catalyst for a more inclusive world. His story is a testament to the transformational power of sport to transcend borders, barriers, and adversity.”