Transgender athlete Valentina Petrillo qualifies for women’s T12 400m semi-final

A transgender athlete who previously won 11 national titles in the men’s category as a married father of two has qualified for the semi-finals of the women’s T12 400m event at the Paralympics.

Visually-impaired Italian Valentina Petrillo finished second in her heat in Paris but progressed as the sixth fastest runner, in a time of 58.35 seconds.

The 50-year-old, who transitioned in 2019, was initially reported to be the first openly transgender Paralympian.

Dutch transgender athlete Ingrid van Kranen, who died in 2021, finished ninth in the women’s discus final at the Rio 2016 Games.

Petrillo will run in the semi-finals at Stade de France on Monday evening, with the medal race scheduled for Tuesday.

Petrillo said: “From today I don’t want to hear anything more about discrimination, prejudices against transgender people.

“There are lots of people dying only for being trans, people are killed because they are trans, people commit suicide because they are trans and lose their jobs, or (they are) are not included in sport. But I made it. If I can make it, everyone can make it.”

Naples-born Petrillo was diagnosed with Stargardt disease – a genetic eye condition – aged 14.

She previously expressed hope of receiving “love” in France, while saying it was “only fair” she was allowed to compete.

Currently, there is no unified position towards transgender inclusion, with the International Paralympic Committee allowing international sport governing bodies to set their own policies.

Under World Para Athletics’ rules, an athlete who is legally recognised as a woman is eligible to compete in the category for which their impairment qualifies them.

“The atmosphere in the stadium is great, it’s just a dream come true,” continued Petrillo.

“We are here finally, it’s September 2, 2024, let’s sign this historical date (in our diary).

“I thought about Paris from the day I knew I was not making it to Tokyo (Paralympics), on August 1 2021 – the most amazing day for Italian athletics, when Jacobs (Lamont Marcell, 100 metres) and Tamberi (Gianmarco, long jump) won (Olympic) gold.

“And I am here now. Finally, I made it.”