Teresa Perales
About the speaker
Teresa Perales Fernández is the most decorated Spanish Paralympian in history. She has won a total of 28 Paralympic medals at the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024 Summer Paralympics.
Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Teresa experienced neuropathy at the... More
Teresa Perales Fernández is the most decorated Spanish Paralympian in history. She has won a total of 28 Paralympic medals at the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024 Summer Paralympics.
Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Teresa experienced neuropathy at the age of 19, which resulted in the loss of mobility in her legs. After a period of adaptation to her new situation, Teresa learned to swim, and almost immediately, her first coach encouraged her to compete. From that moment on, she would participate in championships and trials, where she would stand out exponentially.
A High-Level Athlete (DAN) since 1998, she holds a degree in Physiotherapy and is an expert in personal and sports coaching. She has been a professor in physiotherapy and disability at the University of Zaragoza and in summer universities such as those in Teruel or Colindres in Cantabria. Teresa has also held various management and public responsibility positions motivated by her commitment to society. She was a Deputy in the Cortes of Aragon; General Director of Dependency Care of the Department of Social Services and Family of the Government of Aragon; Advisor to the Department of Social Services and Family; and Advisor to the Area of Promotion and Sport of the Excellency City Council of Zaragoza.
Since May 2010, she has been a member of the Paralympic Games Commission of the International Paralympic Committee. She has also been a member of the group of experts that drew up the Comprehensive Plan for Physical Activity and Sport in Spain. Additionally, Teresa is a member of the Advisory Council of the Prince of Girona Foundation and an Ambassador of the Telefónica Foundation.
In Beijing 2008, she was elected a member of the Athletes’ Council of the International Paralympic Committee and was re-elected in London 2012. An ambassador of inclusive sport in Spain, Teresa also served as an ambassador in Madrid’s 2016 Paralympic Games candidacy.
Among her many accolades, Teresa was awarded the 2021 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
She is also the author of The Strength of a Dream and co-author of My Life on Wheels, and she has been a regular speaker at conferences and seminars across the world.
*Keynotes available in English or Spanish
Less