Valentina Petrillo: The first transgender athlete in Paralympic history is already causing a stir

Making history

Valentina Petrillo, from Italy, will become the first transgender Para-athlete at the 2024 Games in Paris.

Complying to rules

Per The Metro, Petrillo is fully compliant with rules under the World Para Athletics banner, having undergone gender transitioning five years ago.

Visually impaired

The Italian is set to compete in the T12 200m and 400m races. T12 is a visually impaired category and Petrillo is hoping for success, having won bronze at the world championships last year.

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First Paralympics

Petrillo, 50, is now preparing to race at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, having not been selected for Tokyo 2020.

Criticism

For some, Petrillo’s inclusion is controversial, with German rival Katrin Mueller-Rottgardt claims Petrillo, “could have an advantage,” as, “she has lived and trained as a man for a long time,” per The Daily Mail.

Difficult conversation

Mueller-Rottgardt’s statement also noted, “Everyone should live in everyday life the way they feel comfortable but I find it difficult in competitive sports.”

Response

Petrillo has responded to criticism by saying, “It's only fair that each of us can express ourselves in our own gender. Sport should teach us the value of inclusion and this is fundamental for people's happiness.”

Excited to get started

The Italian sprinter also said, “Honestly, I can't wait to be in Paris and race on that beautiful purple track and in front of all that enthusiastic crowd. I think there will be a lot more love for me than I can imagine,” per Relevo.

Spanish protests

Despite being well within her rights to compete as per Rule 4.5 of the World Para Athletics' rules and regulations, Petrillo’s inclusion has led to complaints from others. Petrillo’s qualification led to Spain’s Melani Berges missing out on a spot in Paris. Berges’ lawyer then claimed, “That is unfair,” but there seems to be no chance to overturn the decision.

“Prepared for the criticism”

Per BBC Sport, the head of the International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parsons has claimed he is, “prepared for the criticism,” around Petrillo’s inclusion, and that, “we need to respect our rules, we cannot disrespect our rules. So sometimes as an individual, I think one way or another, but we need to follow our constitution”.

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