Teresa Perales

Teresa Perales is a Spanish Paralympic swimmer, born on December 29, 1975, in Zaragoza, Spain. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest Paralympians of all time. Perales began her professional career in 1995, making her Paralympic debut in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics.

Perales is known for her strength, determination, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, such as the most medals won by a Spanish Paralympian.

Off the field, Perales is also recognized for her advocacy work for people with disabilities, making significant contributions to the promotion of inclusivity worldwide.

Early Career

• Start of Swimming: Perales started swimming at the age of 19 after losing the use of her legs due to neuropathy. She quickly excelled in the sport and became a professional swimmer.

Paralympics

• Debut: Perales made her Paralympic debut in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, where she won three bronze medals.
• Continued Success: In the following Paralympics, she won numerous medals, making her the most decorated Spanish Paralympian in history.

Advocacy Work

• Off the Pool: Aside from her swimming career, Perales is also a prominent advocate for people with disabilities. She has worked with various organizations and has spoken at numerous events to promote inclusivity.

Spain National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Spain in 1995.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Winner of 26 medals, including 7 gold medals.
• Perales is Spain's most decorated Paralympian.

• Position: Primarily competes in freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly events.
• Skills: Known for her exceptional speed, strength, and technique. Perales is celebrated for her versatility and endurance.

• Family: Perales is married and has one son.
• Advocacy: Perales is involved in various advocacy work for people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equality.

• Teresa Perales is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her determination, resilience, and advocacy work. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the pool, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Medals in the Paralympic Games:

• Over 26 medals

Most Gold Medals in the Paralympic Games:

• 7 gold medals

Most Decorated Spanish Paralympian:

• Most medals won by a Spanish Paralympian

Books

• Perales, T. (2012) La Fuerza de un Sueño. Spain: Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial.

Websites

• Paralympic: Information about Teresa Perales’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• Official Website of Teresa Perales: Details about Perales’s career and advocacy work. Available at: http://www.teresaperales.es

Articles

• BBC Sport: Teresa Perales: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/disability-sport/49409665
• The Guardian: Teresa Perales’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/teresa-perales

Interviews and Documentaries

• La Fuerza de un Sueño (2012): Directed by Teresa Perales. This documentary provides a detailed look at Perales’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Teresa Perales, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com