Biography of Martín de la Puente, paralympic tennis player

A discovery that would change my life

I am Martín de la Puente Riobó, professional tennis player, and I dedicate my day to day to play wheelchair tennis.

When I was born, 22nd July 1999 in Vigo, my family noticed that there was something that made me different from others: one of the fingers of my hand was bigger than usual. This seemed anecdotal and they did not give it much importance. As time went by, things became more complicated as new malformations appeared in my body, so my parents moved me to the Hospital de la Paz, in Madrid, in search of the best specialists. There, in the Children's Hospital, a team of professionals diagnosed my ailment: Proteus syndrome.

Confidence, work and overcoming

From that moment on, my life started to circle around doctors, operations and rehabs. Together with my family and friends, a great team was created. They have supported me at all times.

During the first 14 years of my life I had to face 16 operations, including the amputation of my left foot when I was 8 years old. It was at that time when I realized that I had to adapt to my new situation. Tennis was my passion, and because of this operation I could never play on my feet again. It was then that I learned about adapted sports and discovered a world I had never known before: wheelchair tennis. The possibility of playing, training and being able to compete helped me to overcome my new situation.

Paralympic tennis player Martín de la Puente

Transforming personal and professional reality

The road was far from easy but giving up was never an option: I had to learn how to use the wheelchair, adapt to the circumstances of this new sport, move and push the wheels with my hands and, grip and hit the ball with the racquet all at the same time. Wheelchair tennis is identical to conventional tennis, same court and rules, with the only exception that the ball can bounce twice before being hit.

I started competing at the age of 12 in national senior tournaments, achieving my first Spanish Championship at the age of 14, a milestone in the history of national tennis. In the following seasons I would win three consecutive times the World Championship under 18. The good progression in this discipline allowed me to access a scholarship of residence in the High Performance Center of San Cugat, where I currently live and where I train all aspects tennis: technical, physical and mental.

I play around 25 tournaments a year in the World Chair Tennis Tour, which forces me to travel all around the world.

In addition to my professional dedication to Paralympic sport, in 2024 I completed my university degree, a degree in Business Administration and Management. I believe that it is important to combine professional sport with academic training.

Confidence and perseverance are your best allies

In addition to dedicate myself professionally to wheelchair tennis, I spend a lot of my time in talks, conferences and, exhibitions. In these events I share my experiences, difficulties and lessons that can help other people (especially young people) to learn and accept other ways of understanding life.

In my opinion we must learn to value diversity and the skills we have as individuals, because it is a good way to face adversity.

My greatest joy is to be able to help others in their daily lives, professionally or to fulfill their dreams.

History of Martín de la Puente, Paralympic tennis player

Do you want to know more about Martín de la Puente's story?

If you want to know more about my story, want me to participate in a talk or conference, you can always contact me. My passion for wheelchair tennis keeps me active and moving, you KNOW YOU CAN COUNT ON ME.

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