Valentina Petrillo, the first trans athlete to compete at the Paralympic Games, has expressed her interest in participating in the next Paralympics, which will take place in Los Angeles in 2028.
Petrillo made her debut on the grand stage at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, reaching the semi-finals of the women’s 400 metres T12.. Although she didn’t advance to the finals, Petrillo remains optimistic that better days are ahead. Despite being 50 years of age, Petrillo believes competing at the LA Paralympics is still within reach.
“I was not totally satisfied with how I ran in Paris. I think I haven’t reached my physical limit. I can push for more, especially at 400 metres, so I’m not ruling out anything for the future,” Valentina said.
Petrillo has faced with severe criticism from gender critical on social media with JK Rowling labelling the athlete an “out and proud cheat.” Petrillo replied, saying: “I was told she wrote Harry Potter. I haven’t even read it. Plus she writes in her books about a sport that has no gender so I expected a little more from Rowling.”
“It was the perfect life. It was beautiful. I was welcomed by everybody,” Petrillo said about her experience at the Olympic Village in Paris. “Outside, we know it’s not going to be the same,” she added.