Meet Colombia’s boccia star siblings Leidy and Edilson Chica Chica
Boccia glory is a family affair for Colombian siblings Leidy and Edilson Chica Chica They will compete at the Seoul 2026 World Boccia Championship in the Republic of Korea. The action starts on 27 August 2026 26 Aug 2026
Since boccia stars Leidy and Edilson Chica Chica topped the podium at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the Colombian siblings have proven that golden moments are not a once-off if you consistently put in the hard yards.
With less than two years to go until the LA28 Paralympic Games, the siblings are hoping to qualify and defend their mixed pairs BC4 title. They also aim to finish on the podium again in the individual events.
In Paris, Leidy and Edilson teamed up at the Paralympics for the first time in the mixed pairs event, dominating the gold medal match against Yuen Cheung and Yuk Wing Leung of Hong Kong, China, 6-1.
Edilson also claimed silver in the men’s individual BC4 event, and his sister bronze in the women’s individual BC4 event.
“Perseverance always pays off. Boccia taught us that success is built with patience, discipline, and constant work,” Leidy said.
The unstoppable siblings
If their recent form is anything to go by, the duo could be tough to beat.
At the Valledupar 2026 Para-South American Games in July, Leidy won the gold medal in the women’s BC4 event and her brother secured gold in the same category in the men's.
Together they also won the pairs event, beating Brazil.
Asked about the secret to their ongoing success, Leidy and Edilson said: “There's no magic formula”.
“Our secret has been training with discipline, trusting the process, learning from losses, and never giving up on our goals,” they said.
Secret behind the teamwork
Family ties have provided some level of competitive advantage.
“Growing up together helped us understand each other very well, both on and off the court. We know how the other thinks, and that makes communication and decision-making during matches easier,” Leidy, 36, said.
They both bring different dynamics to their teamwork – precision and strategy versus a cool head and the ability to adapt during the match.
Their joint victory at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a vivid memory that continues to inspire and motivate.
“It was one of the most exciting moments of my life. Sharing that podium with my sister made the medal even more special. All the effort, sacrifices, and years of training were worth it,” Edilson, 48, said.
“It was a dream come true. Being with my brother at the Paralympic Games and celebrating our medals as a family is a memory I will always carry in my heart,” Leidy said.
Sharing the ups and downs of professional sport and growing as athletes has certainly been a big adventure.
“The best part is that boccia shows us there are no limits when there's effort and passion,” Edilson said.
“It has also let us get to know many countries, make friendships, and live unforgettable experiences.”
When they are not busy training and competing, they enjoy spending time with family, music, movies as well as promoting the sport and mentoring younger athletes.
Their advice to those taking up the sport: “Enjoy every training session, never stop learning, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Dreams can be achieved with dedication, effort, and self-confidence”.
Follow the World Championship
The siblings’ next stop is the Seoul 2026 World Boccia Championship. The World Championship has brought together the top boccia athletes from around the world. Matches are set to take place from 27 August to 3 September.
Just weeks before the siblings travelled to Korea, a powerful earthquake rocked Colombia. The brother and sister live in Cali, which was among quake-ravaged cities across western Colombia.
“Personally, I had never experienced anything like this,” Edilson said.
“Many buildings were damaged, our training was cancelled until further notice... it was a very strong earthquake, very difficult times for many people.”
But despite the tragedy, Leidy and Edilson are determined to press on – one throw at a time.
“Boccia came into our lives as an opportunity to compete and show our abilities. Little by little we fell in love with this sport,” Leidy said.
