Valentina Petrillo is set to become the first openly transgender athlete to participate in the Paralympic Games after the visually impaired sprinter was selected to represent Italy in the women’s 200 and 400 meters races in Paris.
The 50-year-old, who transitioned in 2019, won bronze medals in both events at the World Para Athletics Championships last year in Paris.
Prior to transitioning, Petrillo won 11 national titles in the men’s category.
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons told BBC Sport that while Petrillo is welcome in Paris under World Para Athletics policies, he wants to see the sporting world “unite” on its transgender policies.
However, the IPC allows governing bodies to set their own policies and World Para Athletics permits an individual legally recognized as a woman to compete in the category for which their impairment qualifies them.
Persons:
Valentina Petrillo, Petrillo, ” Petrillo, “, ”, Andrew Parsons
Organizations:
Paralympic Games, World, Paris Games, International Paralympic Committee, BBC Sport, IPC, Para Athletics
Locations:
Italy, Paris, Tokyo, France