An Italian sprinter who has won 11 national titles as a man is set to become the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the women’s race at the upcoming Paris Paralympics.
Valentina Petrillo (50), a blind runner who underwent gender reassignment in 2019, has been selected to represent Italy in the women’s 200m and 400m races.
“I still can’t believe it. I’m just waking up to the reality of it all because I missed out on a chance to go to Tokyo by such a small margin,” Petrillo said Monday after being selected.
“I will start thinking about the Paris Games once I arrive in France.”
Petrillo was selected for the Paralympics after winning bronze medals in the women’s 200m and 400m at last year’s World Para Athletics Championships in Paris.
Before her gender transition, Petrillo won 11 national titles on the boys’ division.
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons said: BBC Sports Petrillo would be welcomed to the Paris Games under World Para Athletics rules, which allow individuals who are legally recognized as women to compete in any category they are eligible for based on whether or not they have a disability.
The IPC allows sports governing bodies to set their own policies when it comes to participation.
Parsons said he’s “prepared for the criticism” that will probably come with Petrillo’s participation in upcoming games.
“We need to respect the rules. We can’t flout the rules,” he said.
“So, at this time, World Para Athletics rules allow her to compete and she will be welcomed like any other athlete.”
Since being diagnosed with Stargardt syndrome at the age of 14, Petrillo’s eyesight has deteriorated and his vision is limited to one-fiftieth of the normal range.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics will open on August 28th and run until September 8th.
With post wire
