Leidy Chica Chica

Started: She began playing boccia in 2017 in Cali, Colombia. (senalcolombia.tv, 14 May 2021; noticiascaracol.com, 14 Nov 2023) Reason: She originally took up swimming as a form of therapy for muscular dystrophy. She was later encouraged to try boccia by her brother Edilson, who had been introduced to the sport by his physiotherapist. "Thanks to his work and dedication I was able to meet the coach of the [Valle del Cauca] department [in Colombia] who quickly recognised my potential, which allowed me to become part of the group of athletes who represented Valle del Cauca." (cpc.org.co, 03 Nov 2020; senalcolombia.tv, 14 May 2021; infobae.com, 14 Nov 2023) Ambition: To win two gold medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (Athlete, 26 Aug 2024) Awards: In 2020 she was named Community Social Para Athlete of the Year at the Farallones Awards in Colombia. (konuco.com, 31 Dec 2020)

Sporting Relatives: Her brother Edilson Chica has also represented Colombia in boccia. The siblings won gold together in the BC4 mixed pairs event at the 2022 World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (infobae.com, 14 Nov 2023; cpc.org.co, 12 Sep 2023; noticiascaracol.com, 04 Jul 2023; SportsDeskOnline, 14 Mar 2024)