High School Wrestler Overcomes Chimpanzee Attack Injuries to Win National Title

Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, a Long Beach High School student, persevered after a life-changing attack as a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:43am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors and geometric shapes, depicting the dynamic movements and raw athleticism of a high school wrestling match.A cubist interpretation of a high school wrestler's triumph, capturing the dynamic energy and perseverance that defined Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez's journey.Long Beach Today

Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, an 18-year-old high school wrestler from Long Beach, New York, has overcome incredible odds to win a national wrestling championship and earn a college scholarship. As a 6-year-old in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sibomana-Rodriguez survived a horrific chimpanzee attack that left him with serious facial injuries, including the loss of a finger and part of an ear. But he never let his injuries define him, finding solace and acceptance in the sport of wrestling.

Why it matters

Sibomana-Rodriguez's story is an inspiring example of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His journey from a traumatic childhood attack to becoming a high school wrestling champion highlights the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of sports on young people's lives.

The details

When Sibomana-Rodriguez came to the United States at age 8 for reconstructive surgeries, he had never wrestled before. But with the support of his high school wrestling coach, who adopted him, he quickly excelled in the sport. Over the past four years, Sibomana-Rodriguez has won five Nassau County titles, three state championships, and a national title. He has now committed to wrestle at the University of North Carolina on a scholarship.

  • Sibomana-Rodriguez was attacked by chimpanzees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at age 6.
  • He came to the United States at age 8 for reconstructive surgeries.
  • Sibomana-Rodriguez began wrestling in middle school and has won numerous titles over the past four years.
  • He recently won the national high school wrestling championship.

The players

Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez

An 18-year-old high school wrestler from Long Beach, New York, who overcame a horrific chimpanzee attack as a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to become a national champion.

Ethan Andreuli

A sophomore teammate of Sibomana-Rodriguez who considers him a mentor and inspiration.

Long Beach High School Wrestling Coach

The coach who adopted Sibomana-Rodriguez when he was in middle school and helped push him to become a champion wrestler.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think I would have ever thought I'd be here, coming from my country and ending up being a good wrestler.”

— Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, High School Wrestler

“Once I started getting better at it, people started accepting me, and I accepted them.”

— Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, High School Wrestler

“It meant everything because without him pushing me so hard, I wouldn't be where I am today.”

— Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, High School Wrestler

“He always kept a smile on his face, kept ignoring the bad stuff, and he always kept working hard and doing the right things.”

— Ethan Andreuli, Teammate

“Don't let people determine who you are, and you should make your own story.”

— Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, High School Wrestler

What’s next

Sibomana-Rodriguez will continue his wrestling career at the University of North Carolina on a scholarship.

The takeaway

Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez's remarkable journey from a traumatic childhood attack to becoming a high school wrestling champion is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of sports. His story inspires others to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.