María Belén Perez Sanchez facts for kids
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| Nationality | Spanish | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 5 January 1973 (age 52) Granada, Spain |
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| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Country |  Spain |
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| Sport | Cycling | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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María Belén Perez Sanchez is a talented cyclist from Spain. She was born on January 5, 1973, in Granada. Belén has a vision impairment, which means she has difficulty seeing. She is well-known for competing in the Paralympic Games, where athletes with disabilities show off their amazing skills.
Belén has won several medals for her country. She earned two silver medals and one bronze medal at the Paralympics. Her achievements show her dedication and strength in the sport of cycling.
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What are the Paralympic Games?
The Paralympic Games are a huge international sports event. They are held after the Olympic Games in the same host city. These games are for athletes with a wide range of disabilities. The word "Para" means "alongside" or "parallel," showing that these games happen side-by-side with the Olympics.
The Paralympics celebrate the abilities and achievements of athletes. They highlight how sports can help people overcome challenges. Athletes compete in many different sports, just like in the Olympics.
Cycling in the Paralympics
Cycling is a popular sport at the Paralympic Games. Athletes compete in various events, including road races and track races. Belén Perez competed in tandem cycling events.
What is Tandem Cycling?
A tandem bicycle is a bike built for two riders. In Paralympic tandem cycling, one rider is usually a visually impaired athlete. The other rider is a sighted pilot. The pilot sits in the front and steers the bike. The visually impaired athlete sits behind and helps pedal.
This teamwork is very important for success. Both riders must work together perfectly. They need to pedal at the same time and communicate well. Tandem cycling shows how athletes can achieve great things by working as a team.
Belén's Paralympic Achievements
Belén Perez competed in two Paralympic Games. She showed incredible skill and determination in both events.
1992 Barcelona Paralympics
Belén competed in the 1992 Summer Paralympics held in Barcelona, Spain. This was a special event because it was in her home country. She won a silver medal in the Mixed Tandem Open event. This was a road race where she and her pilot worked together to finish second.
1996 Atlanta Paralympics
Belén continued her success at the 1996 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta, USA. She won two more medals there. She earned another silver medal in the Mixed 60/70k Tandem Open road race. She also won a bronze medal in the Mixed Individual Pursuit Tandem Open track race. This track event tests speed and endurance over a set distance.
Belén's three Paralympic medals make her a celebrated athlete in Spain. Her story inspires many young people to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges.
