Martina Navratilova has come under fire after calling Italian trans athlete Valentina Petrillo, set to make history at the Paralympics a ‘pathetic cheater’.
The 50-year-old, who transitioned from a male to a female in 2019, will compete in the T12 200m and 400m events having won bronze medals in both events at the World Para Athletics Championships last year.
Reduxx magazine spoke with the trans athlete where she said making the Paralympics was a ‘dream I had since I was a little girl’.
Navratilova originally shared the interview adding: ‘Yet another male stealing women’s trophies.
‘In Paralympics, no less. Sickening.’
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.
Petrillo will make her Paralympics debut on September 2nd in the T12 400m heats before the final takes place a day later. She will then have a few days rest before returning for the T12 200m heats on September 6 with the final 24 hours after.
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