Teresa Perales receives top Spanish honour
02.04.2014Spain’s most-decorated Paralympian was bestowed with a special award by the King of Spain in Madrid.
Pictured with Spanish Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales are: Spanish culture minister Jose Ignacio Wert, Princess Elena of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain, Mariano Menor Jr, Mariano Menor, King Juan Carlos of Spain, Prince Felipe of Spain and Princess Letizia of Spain.
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Teresa Perales is a 22-time Paralympic medallist and 11-time World Championship medallist, with her last major set of medals coming at the London 2012 Paralympics, where she won a gold, three silvers and two bronze.
Spain’s six-time Paralympic swimming champion Teresa Perales was bestowed with the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit by Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, on Tuesday (1 April) at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.
The honour is the highest recognition in sport in Spain, and Perales, the most-decorated Paralympian from her country, became the first woman to receive the award. She is also now one of just 17 athletes in history to receive the honour.
Perales is a 22-time Paralympic medallist and 11-time World Championship medallist, with her last major set of medals coming at the London 2012 Paralympics, where she won a gold, three silvers and two bronze.
Also present at the ceremony in Madrid were Queen Sofia, the Prince and Princess of Asturias, and Honorary President of NPC Spain, Princes Elena. Perales’ family was also in attendance.
