Swimming at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games experienced its first finals session this Thursday and, in one of them, Teresa Perales entered the top 8 for the first time in this event. The Aragonese woman finished fifth in the 100 backstroke S2, in a test that left her with a good feeling, as she said, before the 50 backstroke on Saturday, her main test.
With a time of 2:37.53, Perales was out of contention for the medals, which was led by Pin Xiu Yip of Singapore with 2:21.73. It was imposed in a very tight sprint against Mexican Haidee Viviana Aceves, second in 2:21.79, the American record. The bronze went to Italian Angela Procida with 2:24.48.
The Spanish swimmer gave ground from the start, in a first length where he placed fifth. He saw how his rivals gradually distanced themselves and could not recover after the turn. He still has two tests left in these Games.
Next up is his big bet, the 50 backstroke on Saturday. Their focus is on trying to find a twenty-eighth medal to match the Games achievements of Michael Phelps, another of world swimming’s great leaders. He will also swallow the 100 freestyle, but his focus is clear.
“The sensations are very good. This morning I am very happy with the time I did, because I arrived with 2:45 because I am in the S2 category. Finishing with 2:37 this afternoon and down to 2:41 of This morning makes me very happy,” said Perales about the category changes he faced on his way to Paris and ended up leaving him in this S2.
Teresa is thankful for the opportunity to swim again in the Games. “It’s incredibly shocking to swim in a pool so full of people. This morning everything was full and I couldn’t focus on half of my family,” he laughed. “I am very happy, with a good taste in my mouth,” she added.
He is confident that he can handle 50 backstrokes with guarantees. “On Saturday I look forward to the icing on the cake,” he wished. “In my case, it would have been impossible to get here without the support of my family and my team, who helped me with everything, getting me in and out of water, logistics, taking me to Madrid to train…” , he said. “I’m very proud because there’s a lot of work behind it. We’ll see tomorrow, but I’m getting that medal,” she concluded.
Source: La Verdad
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