Alison Levine and Iulian Ciobanu Finish 4th in Boccia BC4 Pairs

PARIS – Alison Levine and Iulian Ciobanu will settle for a fourth place finish in the boccia BC4 Pairs after falling 6-1 to Thailand in the bronze-medal match.

It is both Levine and Ciobanu’s best-ever Paralympic result, having competed at three games both individually and in pairs. 

The Canadian duo have come a long way in their eight years together, with some big results to boast. Last year, they earned gold at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, then won the Póvoa 2024 World Boccia Cup this year.

“I feel nothing but love right now from the guy next to me,” said Levine, speaking after the match. “I’m grateful for every day I get to play with Iulian.”

While Canada will finish without a boccia medal, it is Canada’s best finish in boccia since earning a bronze medal in London 12 years ago.

“We did a lot of great things to come here, to be here today. To play in the semifinals and play for bronze,” said Ciobanu. “This is the sport, unfortunately.”

Despite being disappointed with the result, the duo have been leaders on a team that has put the spotlight on boccia—helping grow the sport domestically and gain more coverage. All the way in Paris, Levine said they were feeling the love from Canadians.

“The amount of messages we’ve gotten from back home of support has been incredible, that’s what we’re holding onto,” said Levine. 

“I want to thank them truly, truly from the bottom of my heart. For not just supporting us here, but making us feel like champions for even being here.”