First out transgender paralympian set to compete in Paris 2024

Valentina Petrillo (Image: Instagram/Valentina Petrillo)

A visually impaired sprinter from Italy is poised to make history as the first out transgender athlete to compete in the Paralympic Games.

Valentina Petrillo, a 50-year-old who transitioned in 2019, has been selected to represent Italy in the women’s T12 200m and 400m events at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Petrillo’s participation marks a significant moment for transgender inclusion in elite parasport. In a statement (via BBC Sport), she described her selection as “an important symbol of inclusion.”

Before her transition, Petrillo won 11 national titles in the men’s category. Since transitioning, she has continued to excel, winning bronze medals in both the 200m and 400m events at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris.

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