Valentina Petrillo, a 50-year-old transgender woman from Italy, is set to make history as the first transgender woman to compete at the Paralympics in Paris. Petrillo, who was inspired by Italian sprinter Pietro Mennea at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, will compete in the 200 and 400 meters in the T12 classification for visually impaired athletes.
Diagnosed with Stargardt disease as a teenager, Petrillo transitioned in 2019 and began hormone therapy in 2021. While World Athletics has banned transgender women from competing in the female category at international events post-puberty, World Para Athletics has not implemented the same rule.
Despite facing challenges and criticism from some competitors who believe she has an unfair advantage, Petrillo remains determined to pursue her passion for athletics. She emphasizes that transitioning has actually put her at a physical disadvantage compared to cisgender women, as supported by a study funded by the IOC.
Having won bronze at the World Para Athletics Championships and with the support of her family, Petrillo is focused on competing in the Paralympics. She acknowledges the marginalized status of transgender individuals and hopes her journey will inspire others to pursue their dreams.
The finals of the women's T12 400m and 200m events at the Paralympics are scheduled for September 3 and 7, respectively. Petrillo's story serves as a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
