Valentina Petrillo discovered her passion for athletics at a young age when she witnessed Italian sprinter Pietro Mennea’s victory at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Petrillo, a transgender woman who grew up identifying as a boy, dreamed of emulating Mennea’s success. Now, at the age of 50, Petrillo is on the brink of realizing her lifelong ambition by becoming the first transgender woman to compete at the Paralympic Games in Paris. She will participate in the 200 and 400 meters events in the T12 category for visually impaired athletes.
While World Athletics implemented a ban on transgender women competing in the female category after puberty, World Para Athletics has maintained its inclusion of transgender athletes in international events. Petrillo, who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease as a teenager, considers herself fortunate despite the obstacles she has encountered. She transitioned to living openly as a transgender woman in 2019 after spending most of her life as a man.
Petrillo has faced criticism from some competitors who believe she may have an unfair advantage due to her past experiences living and training as a man. However, Petrillo points to a study funded by the IOC that shows transgender women tend to have physical disadvantages compared to cisgender women in various aspects. Despite the questioning and doubts raised by others, Petrillo remains committed to her passion for athletics and is determined to compete at the Paralympics.
Having excelled in national and international competitions in recent years, Petrillo will be supported by her family as she competes in Paris. She acknowledges that her journey as a transgender athlete highlights broader societal challenges faced by marginalized communities. While Petrillo is focused on her athletic achievements, she also aims to inspire and advocate for greater acceptance and respect for all individuals, including those within the transgender community.
