'Pathetic cheater' Valentina Petrillo fails to reach final of the women’s 400m

Valentina Petrillo made history this weekend by becoming the first transgender Paralympian, unfortunately for the Italian, despite a good qualifying time to reach the semi-final, Petrillo was unable to advance into the gold medal race.

Petrillo, racing in the T12 400-meter category, finished second in her heat with a time of 58.35, qualifying her for Monday's semi-final, per AFP. She followed up her qualifying time with a personal-best time of 57.58 in her semi-final, but that wasn't enough for her to teach the final, as she finished third in her heat.

Petrillo's inclusion in the Paralympics has certainly caused a stir, with former tennis player Martina Navratilova speaking strongly about the Italian para-athlete's participation in the Games.

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Before the 2024 Paralympics began, tennis legend Martina Navratilova, made her opinions clear on Petrillo's inclusion.

The former world number one has called the first transgender Paralympian a “pathetic cheater ” on X (formerly Twitter) in a scathing attack against Italy's Valentina Petrillo.

Navratilova has been open about her distain for trans-women athletes, supporting an Idaho bill banning them from competing in women's collegiate sports in the states, per SportsKeeda.

The Czech also responded to an article posted on X by Reduxx which profiled Petrillo by writing, “Yet another male stealing women's trophies. In Paralympics, no less. Sickening.” While Navratilova and others have a strong opinion on this matter, as it stands, Petrillo is set to make history, so let's look at how she ended up at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

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

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

The Italian is set to compete in the T12 200m alongside the 400m event, where she suffered disappointment. 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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Petrillo, 50, missed out on selection for the previous Paralympics in Tokyo, despite being eligible for inclusion.

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.

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.”

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

The Italian sprinter also said before the Games, “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.

Despite being well within his 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.

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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