By Graham Thomas
Ahead of medals, titles, and ranked well above becoming one of the world’s leading BC4 players, Carla Oliveira’s greatest achievement came away from the boccia court.
The Portuguese star – and current world ranked number one – is the proud mother of three-year-old daughter Gabriela, and in balancing motherhood with life as an elite international athlete she has become an inspiration for women across the sport.
Oliveira famously competed while five months pregnant before stepping away from competition to give birth in November 2022, only to return months later to claim the European title, proving that motherhood and sporting excellence can go hand-in-hand.
Carla Oliveira. Pic: World Boccia
Yet, as she prepares for another major challenge at the World Boccia Championships in Seoul, South Korea, later this month, Oliveira admits the toughest part of her career is not competing against the world’s best players — but being away from her daughter.
International competition means long spells away from Gabriela, particularly when travelling to Asia, and the 37-year-old admits those moments remain emotionally demanding.
“It is a big challenge for me, being an athlete and a mom,” says Oliveira, who competed for Portugal at the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Paralympic Games.
“And the emotional things I feel when I stay in competition, it’s really hard.
“In Korea, it is also a little more complicated because of the time I’m staying away from home is a lot. And the hours are complicated for me, too.”
But for Oliveira, every sacrifice is balanced by the knowledge that despite all the trophies and accolades she has won throughout her career, nonthing compares with the one prize waiting for her at home.
“I think it’s important to know that she’s my best medal I have won in my life.”
Paulo Cardoso and Carla Oliveira. Pic: PCAND‘
The Portuguese star will arrive in South Korea in two weeks’ time full of confidence after a dream week on home soil at the Póvoa 2026 World Boccia Cup, where she claimed two gold medals in front of an adoring home crowd.
Oliveira first won the BC4 women’s individual title before teaming up with Paulo Cardoso to defeat Great Britain’s Stephen McGuire and Sophie Newnham 4-1 in the BC4 pairs final.
The victories provided the perfect preparation for Seoul and another reminder that Oliveira – a quarter-finalist in Paris 2024 – is now the BC4 woman to beat.
“I’m really happy about this result (Povoa),” she adds.
“It’s something I prepared a lot for, so it’s amazing. It’s really good.”
Her individual triumph was no surprise to those who have followed her remarkable rise over recent seasons.
Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, Oliveira did not take up boccia until her twenties, but she has since developed into one of Portugal’s most successful Paralympians.
She returned from maternity leave to win the European title in 2023, and has represented Portugal at those three Paralympic Games while consistently competing among the world’s elite.
The latest World Cup success in Povoa only strengthens her belief that she is arriving in South Korea at exactly the right time.
Carla Oliveira. Pic: PCAND
“I prepared for doing well, so I feel confident to do what I do and it’s really good.
“The World Championships is a big competition, and it’s important to do the things right and to go to the World Championships with confidence.
“And I believe in God, so I know he was with me in this competition (Povoa) and in my life, so I’m really lucky for everything.”
Competing in front of her own supporters made the victories even sweeter.
The atmosphere inside the arena lifted the Portuguese players throughout the week, with Oliveira feeding off every cheer as she captured her second individual World Cup gold.
“I thank the people here and to have that backing in a final with that support, is really important.”
That backing reached another level during the BC4 pairs final.
Alongside Cardoso, Oliveira edged a high-quality British pairing in a tense gold medal contest before celebrating wildly with the home crowd.
“It’s was amazing . . . amazing for me, for us, for all the team. It’s fantastic. We are in Portugal, we win, so it’s great.”
Carla Oliveira. Pic: PCAND
But she admitted victory had been far from straightforward against rivals who are likely to loom again in Seoul.
“It’s always a difficult game against Great Britain, so for us it’s a big challenge.”
Cardoso was equally emotional after helping Portugal secure a Pairs gold medal.
He admitted: “I want to cry, I want to scream. This win means a lot to us, for our pair, for our team, for our country, Portugal. That’s a big win for everyone.
“The people here in Povoa inspire us to make great shots.”
With the World Championships now approaching, both players believe Portugal can continue challenging for the biggest prizes.
And wherever her remarkable career takes her next, Gabriela will remain Oliveira’s greatest inspiration.
