Transgender Paralympian 'expects a lot of love' as Italian bids for a medal after controversial selection
Valentina Petrillo is bidding to win a medal at the Paralympics
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Transgender athlete Valentina Petrillo is hoping to receive plenty of 'love' from the Stade de France crowd when she races in the Paralympics next week.
Petrillo, who was diagnosed with Stargadt disease and begun losing her sight at the age of 14, began transitioning from a man to a woman in 2019.
A year later and the Italian runner ran for the first time in the woman's category at the Italian Para Athletics Championships - the first time a transgender athlete competed in paralympic sports.
Petrillo missed out on qualifying for the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago, but went on to win two bronze medals at the World Para Athletics Championships in 2023.
Valentina Petrillo is bidding to win a medal at the Paralympics
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She has now been selected to represent Italy in the women's T12 200m and 400m sprints at the Paris Paralympics, which get underway next week.
Her inclusion has caused a stir with rival Katrin Mueller-Rottgardt feeling Petrillo has an unfair 'advantage'.
Petrillo accepts that her involvement in the Games will cause controversy, but she's hoping to receive plenty of support inside the stadium.
"Honestly, I can't wait to be in Paris and race on that beautiful purple track and in front of all that enthusiastic crowd," she said.
"I think there will be a lot more love for me than I can imagine.
"It's only fair that each of us can express ourselves in our own gender. Sport should teach us the value of inclusion and this is fundamental for people's happiness.
"I have learned to let go of what I cannot control. I am now psychologically stronger than I was some time ago and this is also due to the support of my psychologist.
"People always criticise, for whatever reason, and that is why in my case they are even more likely to do so.
Valentina Petrillo is expecting plenty of support in Paris
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"I gradually understood that you have to live with people's envy and jealousy. unfortunately, but for my part I am aware that what I do is real and therefore I have nothing to fear.
"I can win a medal, but I have to do better than my personal best from last year (58.011), because the level has increased.
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Valentina Petrillo is the first transgender athlete to compete at the Paralympics
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"I am absolutely aware of the social and cultural value of my presence in Paris 2024.
"I will do everything possible to rise to the occasion and achieve a sporting result of a certain competitive value.
"There is a community that supports me and looks up to me, but even those who are not from the LGTBIQ+ world encourage me, because they see me as an inspiring role model and this for me is the most beautiful thing."