Valentina Petrillo to be first openly transgender athlete at Paralympic Games in Paris

Valentina Petrillo, a 50-year-old visually impaired sprinter from Italy, is set to make history as the first openly strong transgender athlete to compete in the Paralympic Games. After receiving selection to represent Italy in the women’s strong 200 and 400 meters races at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympics, Petrillo is preparing to make her mark on the world stage. 

Italy Valentina Petrillo to be 1st transgender athlete 

Transitioning and Triumphing Valentina's journey began in 2019 when she transitioned, and her determination has led to remarkable achievements. Last year at the World Para Athletics Championships held in Paris, she clinched in both the 200 and 400 meters events, showcasing her exceptional talent and resilience. Prior to her transition, Petrillo had already made a name for herself by securing 11 national titles in the men’s category, highlighting her dedication to the sport. Overcoming Challenges However, Valentina's path has not been without challenges. Diagnosed with Stargardt’s syndrome at the age of 14, she has faced significant visual impairments, limited to only 1/50th of the normal range. Despite this adversity, Petrillo has persevered, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to pursuing her athletic dreams.