Javier Soto Rey (born 1977 in Hondarribia, Spain) is a deaf Spanish researcher and former elite athlete, specialized in inclusive sports science and pedagogy. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), within the Department of Health and Human Performance, and is affiliated with the Center for Inclusive Sport Studies (CEDI) at INEF–Madrid.
Athletic Career
Soto Rey is a decorated Deaflympic athlete. He won a gold medal in the 1500 m event at the 2001 Deaflympics and silver medals in the same event at the 1997 and 2005 Games. He also earned a silver in the 800 m at the 1997 Deaflympics and a bronze Medal in the 1500 m at the 2008 World Championships. In total, he participated in four Deaflympic Games and received numerous honors, including being named “Deaf Athlete of the Century” in June 2000 and amassing over 200 medals and 90 trophies in his career[2][3].
Academic and Professional Trajectory
Soto Rey earned his PhD in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences from INEF–Madrid in February 2016, obtaining the distinction Cum Laude[3]. He is currently a Professor Associate in the Faculty of Education at UPM, focusing on pedagogy of bodily expression and inclusive physical education[3][5].
Research and Scholarly Contributions
His research centers on inclusive sports and disability studies. He co-authored the systematic review Trends and Future Directions in Deaf Sport, exploring performance and inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes. Other notable works include studies on visual reaction time among athletes with hearing impairments, strategies for inclusion in physical education, and the development of inclusive sport practices[6].
Recognition and Legacy
Through his dual roles as athlete and academic, he embodies the possibilities of inclusion and high performance for Deaf individuals in sports and education.
- CISS. (n.d.). Javier Soto Rey – Deaflympic medals and competition history.
- Signs Unusualverse. (n.d.). Javier Soto Rey
- javiersotorey.com
- UPM Portal Científico. (n.d.). Javier Soto Rey – Academic profile at UAM/UPM.
- ResearchGate. (n.d.). Javier Soto-Rey
