Even before her first race at the Paris Paralympics 2024, Italian sprinter Valentina Petrillo is aware she will make history as the first trans athlete to compete in the Paralympic Games. “I hope to be the first of many,” says the 50-year-old, who will compete in the 400m T12 event for visually impaired athletes.
Petrillo, who has Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition causing progressive vision loss, came heartbreakingly close to qualifying for the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics but narrowly missed out. Since then, she has been singularly focused on Paris, where she will finally fulfil her childhood dream when she steps onto the violet track of the Stade de France on 3 September.
Looking back on her journey, Petrillo recalls missing out on the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, an experience that was less painful than her recent near-miss. “When I was a man, I didn’t feel like myself. I was always holding back, not as happy as I am now, even though I’m older,” she said in an interview with AFP.
Petrillo’s life took a transformative turn in 2017 when she publicly came out as trans. Her journey has not been without its challenges, but by 2023, she was officially recognised as a woman by the Italian authorities. Initially excelling in five-a-side football for visually impaired athletes, where she represented Italy in major tournaments, Petrillo eventually returned to her first love, athletics, focusing on the 200m and 400m events.
Hormone therapy allowed her to meet World Athletics‘ eligibility criteria to compete in the women’s category. Her dedication bore fruit when she clinched two bronze medals at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Paris, competing in the 200m and 400m events.
As a computer engineer who trains rigorously for up to three hours daily, Petrillo is determined to set new personal records at these Paralympic Games. “I want to improve my personal bests: 25.77 seconds in the 200m and 58.01 seconds in the 400m. If I can do that, I’ll be close to the medals,” she stated confidently.
Despite her athletic focus, Petrillo is acutely aware that her participation might ignite controversy. She follows in the footsteps of New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, who became the first transgender athlete to compete in the Olympics in Tokyo. Petrillo anticipates criticism and online threats but remains undeterred. “I know there will be people who don’t understand why I’m doing this, but I’m here, I’ve fought for years to get where I am, and I’m not afraid. This is who I am,” she declared.
In Italy, where the conservative government has criticised gender ideology and the LGBTQ+ movement, Petrillo sees herself as a beacon of resilience and inspiration. “I often say, if I’ve done it, others can too. I hope to be the first of many, a reference point, an inspiration. My story can help many people, whether visually impaired, transgender, or not,” she added.
While her elderly father won’t be able to attend, Petrillo will receive support from her children, daughter, ex-wife, and brother, who will all be cheering her on at the Stade de France. “I’m lucky: I’m about to do the most beautiful thing I’ve ever dreamed of, running in a stadium,” she concluded, her excitement palpable.
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