Zaragoza pays tribute to Teresa Perales, who is already dreaming of Los Angeles 2028 after her bronze in Paris

A packed Reception Hall at Zaragoza City Hall paid emotional tribute to swimmer Teresa Perales, who returned from the Paralympic Games in Paris with a bronze medal in the 50-metre backstroke, her 28th Olympic medal and equalling the record of American Michael Phelps.

During the event at the City Hall, Perales expressed his firm desire to continue competing and his aspirations for the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. “The hour in which the cauldron in Paris began to go out is only the beginning of a new path, with 1,440 days ahead until another cauldron is lit, that of Los Angeles 2028,” he said in his speech, provoking applause from the entire audience.

The swimmer, considered one of the best in the world in her discipline, has referred to her enthusiasm and energy to face new challenges. “It’s probably another crazy idea, but like so many others in my life, it’s a wonderful madness that I intend to face with all the energy in the world. And whatever happens, I’m here, very lucky, enjoying the warmth of the people in these streets of Zaragoza.”

The tribute in Zaragoza, which was attended by her son Mariano Menor JR, not only celebrated her recent achievement in Paris, but also highlighted her unwavering commitment to sport and her ability to inspire others and her role as a “good mother”. Perales, who has been a pillar of adapted sport in Spain, continues to be a benchmark of improvement and dedication in sport in Zaragoza.

CHUECA PRAISES PERALES: “HE IS AN EXAMPLE OF HEROICITY”

Mayor Natalia Chueca, who chaired the event, praised the outstanding career of the Zaragoza athlete, whom she described as “history and an example for our city”. “I admit that it was exciting to see you swim in that lane, but it was even more exciting to see you draw that smile with which you finished and with which you received that bronze medal. You are unmatched because your heroism overflows the glass of any pool ”, said Chueca.

The mayor also highlighted Perales as an “example of heroism and overcoming , an example of that nobility characteristic of all Zaragozans”. “Today, in the home of all Zaragozans, we also want to congratulate you because that Olympic flame illuminated the eyes of our neighbours who I am sure were moved as I was. You are the example that we all want to learn from, you are the flag of Zaragoza to raise, you are the strength of a dream”, concluded Chueca, in a nod to the title of the book written by the swimmer.

The event was also attended by the Councillor for Sports, Félix Brocate;  the Councillor for the Presidency, Institutional Relations and Citizen Security, Ángel Lorén, and a large representation of the municipal Corporation, as well as relatives and friends of Teresa Perales, a dozen presidents of sports federations, Olympic athletes and members of the local sports community.

Some of the most successful figures in Spanish sport, such as Rafa Nadal, Carolina Marín, Saúl Craviotto and Suso García Bragado, have joined the tribute virtually, sending their congratulations via video.