Valentina Petrillo to Compete as First Transgender Paralympian

Valentina Petrillo will make history as the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the Paralympic Games, representing Italy in Para-athletics in Paris. The 50-year-old sprinter, who transitioned in 2019, will run in the T12 200m and 400m events. Petrillo views her participation as a significant symbol of inclusion, though some controversy surrounds her entry.

Petrillo’s selection has sparked debate about fairness and inclusion in sports. Mariuccia Quilleri, a lawyer and athlete, criticized the choice, suggesting it prioritizes inclusion over fairness. Petrillo, who won two bronze medals at the World Para Athletics Championships last year, emphasized the importance of her role as a trailblazer in promoting inclusivity.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) supports Petrillo’s participation under current World Para Athletics policies but calls for a unified approach to transgender policies in sports. While World Athletics bans transgender women from competing in female categories, World Para Athletics allows individuals legally recognized as women to compete based on their impairment classification.

Valentina Petrillo, diagnosed with Stargardt disease at age 14, transitioned in 2018 and began hormone therapy in early 2019. She reported challenges including changes in metabolism and physical strength but has continued to excel, winning medals at both national and international levels. Petrillo expressed her commitment to her sport and thanked the Italian Paralympic Federation for its support.

She acknowledged the criticism but emphasized that her identity should not be subject to discrimination. Her case underscores the ongoing debate about balancing inclusion with fairness in sports.