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Petrillo is calling for more inclusivity amid controversy over her participation at the Olympics.
Valentina Petrillo, the first transgender Paralympian, has issued a resolute statement addressing the criticism surrounding her participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Petrillo, 50 will represent Italy in the women’s T12 200m and 400m sprints. Born as Fabrizio and transitioning in 2019, Petrillo, the Italian sprinter suffers from Stargardt disease—a rare degenerative eye condition, and has previously won bronze at the World Para Athletics Championships in 2023.
Despite facing skepticism over her sexuality, she remains determined to use her platform to promote inclusivity.
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“I have learned to let go of what I cannot control,” Petrillo said as per Daily Mail.
“I am now psychologically stronger than I was some time ago and this is also due to the support of my psychologist.”
Petrillo sparks controversy over Transgender inclusion in competitive sports
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Petrillo's participation has sparked significant debate, with German rival Katrin Mueller-Rottgardt expressing concerns about a potential advantage in the 200m race and a Spanish lawyer questioning the fairness of her qualification.
Petrillo, who previously competed in men's national races before transitioning, has won 11 national titles in the men's T12 category and gold medals in the Italian Paralympic Championship in 2020 across the 100m, 200m, and 400m events. However, despite the controversy, she remains focused on her goals.
“There is a community that supports me and looks up to me,” she said.
“Even those who are not from the LGTBIQ+ world encourage me because they see me as an inspiring role model and this for me is the most beautiful thing.”
Petrillo has also received massive support from her wife, who discovered her spouse's transgender identity in 2017.
Petrillo’s wife has been a pillar of strength throughout her journey.
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Under World Para Athletics' Rule 4.5, athletes legally recognized as women are eligible to compete in female categories, a policy that differs from those of other athletic governing bodies.
Still, Petrillo’s participation remains a debate following the gender row involving Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting that engulfed the Olympics.
Despite being disqualified from competing at the World Championships for failing a gender test, both Khelif and Yu-ting insisted that they were born female and had never identified any differently.
Both athletes eventually went on to claim gold medals in their respective weight classes.
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