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 Paralympic athletes of all time. Perales began her professional career with CAI Zaragoza before moving to INEF Barcelona in 2000, where she won multiple titles, including her first Paralympic gold medal.

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

Off the field, Perales is also recognized for her advocacy and influence, making significant contributions to the promotion of Paralympic sports and inspiring millions worldwide.

CAI Zaragoza

• Youth and Early Career: Perales was born and raised in Zaragoza and started her swimming career at CAI Zaragoza. She made her first international appearance in 1998.

INEF Barcelona

• Success: Perales moved to INEF Barcelona in 2000. Under their guidance, she developed into one of the world's top Paralympic swimmers, winning her first Paralympic gold medal in Sydney 2000.

Later Career

• Record-breaking Achievements: Perales has participated in every Paralympic Games since 2000, winning 26 Paralympic medals, including 7 golds. She became the most decorated Spanish Paralympian in history.

Spain National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Spain in 1998.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Winner of 7 gold medals, 9 silver medals, and 10 bronze medals from 2000 to 2016.
• World Championships: Winner of multiple medals across various World Championships.
• Perales is Spain's most decorated Paralympian.

• Category: Competes in the S5 category for swimmers with physical impairments.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, strength, and endurance. Perales is celebrated for her versatility and adaptability in the pool.

• Family: Perales has a son. She is married to Mariano Menor.
• Advocacy: Perales is involved in various advocacy activities and has contributed significantly to the promotion of Paralympic sports and the rights of people with disabilities.

• Teresa Perales is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her work ethic, determination, and longevity in competitive swimming. 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 Paralympic Games:

• 26 medals

Most Medals for a Spanish Paralympic Athlete:

• Holds the record for most medals won by a Spanish Paralympian

Most Appearances and Medals for Spain:

• Most decorated Spanish Paralympian

Books

• Perales, T. (2012) My Life on Wheels. Madrid: La Esfera de los Libros.

Websites

• IPC: Information about Teresa Perales’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• Spain Paralympic Committee: Details about Perales’s career. Available at: https://www.paralimpicos.es

Articles

• El País: Teresa Perales: Career in numbers. Available at: https://elpais.com/deportes/2016/09/14/actualidad/1473870659_174919.html
• The Guardian: Teresa Perales’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/teresa-perales

Interviews and Documentaries

• Teresa Perales (2016): Directed by Santi Prego. This documentary provides a detailed look at Perales’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• Rio 2016 Interviews: Various interviews and features on Teresa Perales, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.rio2016.com