Teresa Perales, bronze in the 50 meters backstroke and equals Phelps as the most successful woman of the Games

Of Sydney 2000 has Paris 2024. More than two decades and a legacy that is virtually unmatched. Therese Perales She is making sporting history and, after winning bronze in the 50m backstroke in S2, she has become the most successful athlete in some areas. Games also equaling the swimmer’s 28 medals Michael Phelps.

The “Mermaid of the Ebro” hunted the “Shark of Baltimore”. A mission that seemed impossible, but that the Spanish woman accomplished in an exercise of self-improvement and perseverance. A prize for an excellent career in which no obstacle stopped her. Few people can boast of that.

It was tough, but the second time was the charm. He had his first opportunity a few days ago in the 100-meter backstroke, but everyone knew that his strong point was the 50 meters. And he didn’t fail, even if some doubts appeared after the qualifying series. She finished third in her heat, but was five seconds off the podium in the overall standings. He didn’t care. He swam for life or death in the final, as he always does, and won the coveted medal.

From the beginning it was very strong, but it was necessary to wait until the end to confirm a very tight metal. In fact, she obtained third place with only two hundredths of a second ahead of the Italian. Angela Procida.

An impeccable track record

Teresa Perales’ career is written in gold letters. Just like her life. At 19, he suffered a nervous system disease that affected his mobility from the waist down until he lost the ability to walk. That’s when he started swimming. The rest is history.

At his first Paralympic Games, in Sydney 2000amazed everyone with five medals. None of them were gold, but she made it clear that she was destined to win and dominate the water. Time proved her right and he started collecting metals like there was no tomorrow.

In Athens 2004 He improved his records even if it was possible. This time he won six medals, including two golds, and placed himself at the top of Paralympic swimming. In Beijing 2008 bitten five metals, in London 2012 six, in Rio de Janeiro 2016 four and in Tokyo 2020 A.

He had to add one more in his seventh Games to match Phelps. Maybe that put pressure on him, but he handled it and matched the American swimmer. And he can still beat him in the S3 100-meter freestyle on September 3.