Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez becomes African freestyle wrestling champion after 16 reconstructive surgeries

Eighteen-year-old wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, who survived a chimpanzee attack in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a child, has won gold at the senior African Freestyle Wrestling Championships. In the final of the 57 kg weight category, he defeated Roland Tambi Nforsong 10–0.

Sibomana-Rodriguez’s story began far from the sporting arena. At the age of six, he survived an attack by a group of chimpanzees in the DRC. According to U.S. media reports, one of his relatives was killed in the tragedy, while Dunia suffered severe facial injuries, lost a finger, and part of an ear. He was later brought to the United States for treatment and underwent around 16 reconstructive surgeries.

Despite the physical and psychological consequences, Sibomana-Rodriguez managed to start a new life. In the United States, he settled in Long Beach, New York, where he took up wrestling and quickly became one of the most notable young athletes. He won five Nassau County titles, three New York State championships, and the NHSCA national high school title at 123 pounds.

At the end of April 2026, his journey took a new turn: competing for the DRC, Sibomana-Rodriguez won gold at the senior African Championships in the 57 kg category. United World Wrestling noted that his victory stood out also because most of the men’s freestyle gold medals were claimed by representatives of Egypt and Algeria.

16 reconstructive surgeries.
203 wins and 17 losses at the high school level.
Three state championship titles.
A national title in the United States.
And now — gold at the senior African Championships.