Cape Verdean boxer David de Pina wins first Olympic medal for the country

David de Pina could barely contain his joy after continuing his incredible journey at the Paris Games. On Friday, the Cape Verdean boxer reached the semifinals of the flyweight category, securing the first Olympic medal for his country. De Pina defeated All-Africa Games champion and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Patrick Chinyemba 5-0, ensuring his presence in the final four and, consequently, at least one bronze medal.

"I can't describe my emotions. They are enormous. I did this for my country, because we deserve it. We are a small island and we have never achieved this before," De Pina told reporters. "I am the first to write this story. I felt the support of my country and I thank them for this victory. "

"It was against all odds. Everyone was betting on Patrick, for being the African champion. I was the unknown, I was the simple Cape Verdean. I showed the world that we are small, but we are strong. "

De Pina caused a sensation at the Arena Norte in Paris with her unique hairstyle, with two 'buns' on each side of her head, to the point where fans wore bandanas to imitate the look.

"Sometimes people look at me and laugh, saying, 'Ah, the guy with two ears like Mickey Mouse'. But today I showed them that I can be simple, but strong and fierce," said De Pina. " My coach told me to do this because Africans often wear braids. He said, ' You have to look different from all the other Africans.' is imitating. "

De Pina faces Hasanboy Dusmatov, gold medalist in 2016 for Uzbekistan, on Sunday.