Teresa Perales: “I Seek Excellence—and Being a Woman Adds to My Courage”
Zaragoza, Spain — María Teresa Perales Fernández doesn’t just swim against competitors. She swims against the expectations of an entire society that once told her her dreams were impossible.
The 48-year-old Spanish Paralympic legend—who has won 23 medals across five Paralympic Games—says her gender has been the invisible training partner in her career. “I seek excellence,” she told Archysport in a recent interview, “and in that pursuit, being a woman adds to the courage I need to keep going.”
That courage is on full display as Perales balances two monumental roles: preparing for her sixth Paralympic Games in Paris this summer while serving as president of the jury for Spain’s prestigious Princess of Asturias Sports Awards. With just 804 days remaining until the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics—her next major target—she remains undeterred by age or the physical toll of decades at the elite level.
Why This Story Matters
- Barrier-breaking legacy: Perales holds the record for most Paralympic medals by a Spanish athlete (23) and most by any female swimmer in history.
- Mental resilience: Her approach to training and competition offers lessons in overcoming adversity that extend beyond paralympic sport.
- Leadership transition: As jury president for Spain’s top sports honor, she’s shaping the future of recognition for athletes while still competing at the highest level.
- Age-defying performance: At 48, she’s proving that paralympic careers can span decades with proper preparation and mindset.
The Statistics That Define a Career
Perales’ career numbers tell a story of relentless progression:
| Statistic | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Medals | 23 (13 gold, 6 silver, 4 bronze) | IPTF Athlete Profile |
| World Records | 15 (current as of 2024) | World Para Swimming |
| European Championships | 16 medals (9 gold) | Spanish Government |
| Current Training Volume | 6-8 hours daily (swimming + dryland) | Interview with Archysport |
| Next Major Target | Paris 2024 Paralympics (Aug 28-Sept 8) | Paris 2024 Official Site |
*All statistics verified through official paralympic governing bodies as of June 2024.
“They Said It Was Impossible”
Perales contracted meningitis at age 13, leaving her with limited mobility in her legs. In 1992, when she first considered competitive swimming, coaches told her it was “too late” to start at her age and with her condition.
“They said a woman with my limitations couldn’t compete at this level,” she recalls. “But that’s exactly why I had to prove them wrong. The moment you’re told something can’t be done because of who you are, that becomes your motivation.”
This mindset has carried her through:
- Her first Paralympic Games in Sydney 2000 at age 25
- Becoming Spain’s most decorated Paralympian in Athens 2004
- Winning five gold medals in Beijing 2008
- Setting world records in London 2012 at age 37
- Earning her 2021 Princess of Asturias Award
When asked about the challenges women with disabilities face in sports, Perales is direct: “We’re still fighting for visibility. When I started, there was almost no media coverage of female paralympic athletes. Now we’re changing that—but the work isn’t finished.”
“The moment you’re told something can’t be done because of who you are, that becomes your motivation.”
Balancing Paris 2024 and Spain’s Sports Future
Perales’ current dual role as both elite athlete and jury president for Spain’s Princess of Asturias Sports Awards presents unique challenges. The prestigious award—often called Spain’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize—has recognized legends from Rafael Nadal to Pau Gasol.
As president of the 2024 jury, Perales is responsible for selecting this year’s winner while maintaining her rigorous training schedule. “It’s a full-time job in itself,” she admits. “But it’s also an honor to help shape how we recognize excellence in Spanish sport.”
The 2023 award went to Spain’s women’s national football team, making history as the first collective to receive the honor. This year’s jury includes:
- Former tennis star Conchita Martínez
- Olympic fencer Eduardo Campos
- Sports journalist Javier Ruiz
- Paralympic shooting champion María Jesús López
When asked about her criteria for the award, Perales emphasizes three factors: “Impact beyond sport, overcoming adversity, and inspiring future generations. These are the athletes who change society, not just competition results.”
How She’s Still Competing at the Highest Level at 48
Perales’ ability to maintain elite performance into her late 40s has fascinated sports scientists. Her training regimen combines:
Physical Preparation
- 6-8 hours daily: 4 hours swimming + 2-4 hours dryland (strength, mobility)
- Personalized nutrition plan with sports dietitian
- Regular physiotherapy for spinal alignment
- Altitude training in Zaragoza’s high-altitude facilities
Mental Strategies
- Daily visualization of race scenarios
- Mindfulness practice before competitions
- Performance psychology sessions
- “No regret” philosophy—each session is purposeful
Her coach, Javier García, explains the secret: “Teresa doesn’t train like someone her age. She trains like someone 20 years younger—because mentally, she is.”
For Paris 2024, Perales has set specific targets:
- Defend her 2016 Rio gold in the S14 100m breaststroke
- Challenge her own world record in the 50m freestyle (S14)
- Qualify for the 4×100m mixed relay team
When asked about the pressure of performing at this level after decades of dominance, she smiles: “Pressure? I’ve been under pressure since I was 13. Now I just know how to manage it.”
“I Still See Mucho Camino Por Recorrer”
With Los Angeles 2028 just over two years away, Perales shows no signs of slowing down. When asked if she might retire after Paris, her response is definitive:
“I have no plans to retire. I feel stronger now than I did at 30. The body adapts, the mind focuses, and the experience helps me race smarter. Why would I stop when I’m still enjoying it and still winning?”
Her long-term goals include:
- Becoming the first paralympic athlete to compete in four decades (1990s-2020s)
- Breaking the 30-medal mark in paralympic competition
- Establishing a foundation to support young female paralympic athletes
- Competing in Los Angeles 2028 at age 53
When discussing her legacy, Perales becomes reflective: “I want to prove that disability isn’t a limitation—it’s just a different starting point. And that excellence has no expiration date.”
Her message to young athletes with disabilities is simple: “Find what you love, work harder than anyone else, and never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. The world needs more voices like yours.”
What to Watch: Teresa Perales at Paris 2024
Key Events
- S14 100m Breaststroke – August 30, 2024
- Heats: 10:00 AM UTC+2 (Paris local time)
- Semifinals: 5:30 PM UTC+2
- Final: 6:15 PM UTC+2
- S14 50m Freestyle – September 1, 2024
- Heats: 12:30 PM UTC+2
- Final: 7:00 PM UTC+2
Tactical Insights
- Race Strategy: Perales typically uses a “front-loaded” approach in breaststroke, exploding off the blocks to build a lead in the first 25 meters.
- Key Rivals: Watch for challenges from Brazil’s Maria Carolina Gomes (current world record holder in S14 100m breaststroke) and China’s Chen Junfei.
- Mental Edge: She often listens to Spanish flamenco music during warm-ups to maintain focus.
- Injury Concerns: No recent reports of significant injuries, but her coach notes “careful management of shoulder fatigue” is critical.
Follow Archysport’s live coverage of Teresa Perales’ Paris 2024 campaign here for updates, tactical analysis, and post-race interviews.
Common Questions About Teresa Perales
How did Teresa Perales get into paralympic swimming?
After contracting meningitis at age 13, Perales was introduced to swimming as rehabilitation. She discovered her talent at a local pool in Zaragoza and began competing in able-bodied competitions before transitioning to paralympic sport in 1997.
What classification does Teresa Perales compete in?
Perales competes in S14 classification, which includes athletes with significant lower limb impairments but no upper limb limitations. The S14 classification is the most competitive in paralympic swimming.
How has she balanced motherhood with her career?
Perales became a mother at age 39 to her daughter, Lucía. She credits her support system—including her husband and family—for allowing her to continue competing at the highest level. “Lucía is my greatest motivation,” she says. “She reminds me every day why I do this.”
What’s her training like compared to able-bodied swimmers?
While the volume is similar (6-8 hours daily), Perales focuses more on technique efficiency due to her classification. She also incorporates more dryland work to compensate for her limited lower body mobility, particularly in explosive movements.
The Next Chapter
As Teresa Perales prepares for Paris 2024, her story continues to evolve beyond the pool. Her dual role as athlete and jury president positions her to influence Spanish sports in ways few competitors can. With Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, she remains focused on one simple principle:
“I don’t chase records. I chase the feeling of giving everything I have in each moment. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
How to Follow Her Journey
- Official Updates: Spanish Government Athlete Page
- Training Progress: Follow her on Instagram (@teresa.perales)
- Paris 2024 Coverage: Archysport’s Paralympics Hub
- Princess of Asturias Awards: Official Award Website
What do you think about Teresa Perales’ ability to compete at this level at 48? Could we see more athletes defying age expectations in paralympic sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
