Carmelo Pérez Honoured at the 2025 Canary Sports Awards

Los Premios al Deporte Canario 2025 reconocerán a Carmelo Pérez como ganador en la categoría de deporte adaptado, tras un año en el que el atleta se ha consolidado como uno de los grandes referentes internacionales del paraduatlón. En esta segunda edición de los galardones, Pérez sucede al lanzaroteño Lionel Morales, distinguido en 2024 por situar a Canarias en la élite del triatlón adaptado.

Outstanding Career

Natural from the village of Moya, Carmelo competes in the PTS4 category and boasts an impressive record. He has been a five-time consecutive champion of Spain in the half-distance event from 2021 to 2025. Additionally, he secured national titles in the sprint category in 2022 and 2024. His international progress was highlighted in 2024 with a European gold medal in Coimbra in the sprint distance, as well as regional victories, including the 2023 Paralympic Triathlon Championship of the Canaries.

World Champion

The pinnacle of his career arrived in the summer of 2025 when he was crowned world champion in paraduathlon for the sprint distance in Pontevedra. There, he delivered an impeccable performance on a challenging circuit that combined five kilometres of running, twenty kilometres of cycling, and another two and a half kilometres of running, triumphing over top-tier competitors. This world gold medal firmly established him within the elite of the discipline and confirmed the strength of his relentless work over the years.

Institutional Recognition

Poli Suárez, the Councillor for Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity, and Sports, emphasised that “Carmelo Pérez embodies the noblest values of sport: sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment. His story inspires not only athletes with disabilities but the entire Canary society, confirming that we have athletes capable of reaching the highest levels on the international stage.” Pérez expressed his gratitude, saying, “This recognition makes me feel very happy and thankful; it is completely unexpected.” He added, “I never thought I would be in the running for this award, and it fills me with great satisfaction that my homeland, the Canaries, has acknowledged my journey. Being among the selected for this second gala makes me very proud.” He also noted, “It is a testament to the sacrifice, suffering, and dedication that all athletes put into our sport. In the past five years, I have had the fortune to achieve various national and international goals, alongside numerous sporting successes.” The athlete extended the accolade to those who have supported him along the way: “I want to thank everyone who has been there throughout my journey—my family, my coach, and my training partners—who make devoting time to training different and enjoyable every day.”

Ambitious Future

At 42 years old, Pérez continues to broaden his horizons and set new objectives. “I have already been told that next year, in July, the European Championships will be held in Banyoles, Catalonia, so that is a target on the horizon. Around mid-year, we will likely also participate and strive to be in the best possible shape for the national event,” he noted. His sporting ambition and human example make him a role model both within and outside of competition, solidifying a career now recognised by the 2025 Canary Sports Award. He will be one of the key figures at the gala taking place in Tenerife on 3rd October.