Italian Sprinter Valentina Petrillo to Make History as First Openly Transgender Athlete at Paris 2024 Paralympics

Paris, August 13, 2024 — In a groundbreaking achievement, Italian sprinter Valentina Petrillo is set to become the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the Paralympic Games. Petrillo, a visually impaired 50-year-old, will represent Italy in the women’s 200- and 400-meters races, etching her name in the history of the Paralympics.

Petrillo transitioned in 2019 and won bronze medals in both the 200- and 400-meters events at the World Para Athletics Championships last year in Paris. Before transitioning, she secured 11 national titles in the men’s category. Diagnosed with Stargardt’s syndrome at the age of 14, Petrillo’s visual abilities are limited to 1/50th of the normal range.

 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons welcomes Petrillo to Paris under World Para Athletics policies. While some sports governing bodies have tightened rules for transgender athletes, World Para Athletics allows individuals legally recognized as women to compete in the category aligned with their impairment. Critics argue that male puberty provides an advantage that transition does not mitigate, while LGBTQ advocacy groups emphasize the importance of inclusion and further research on athletic performance after transition.

The 2024 Paris Paralympics run from August 28 to September 8. Keep an eye out for Valentina Petrillo as she competes for gold, breaking barriers and inspiring athletes worldwide.

    Valentina Petrillo

news source nbcnews.com