LGBTQ+ campaigner Peter Tatchell found himself on the end of a grilling on GB News today when he made the case for trans Paralympian Valentina Petrillo.
The 51-year-old sprinter became the first openly transgender athlete to compete at the games and has qualified for the women’s T12 400m semi finals.
According to Tatchell, Petrillo’s age means she has “less energy” than other athletes, and is unlikely to win the competition as a result.
The suggestion left Emily Carver and Patrick Christys exasperated - and they went about taking the campaigner to task.
Patrick Christys took Peter Tatchell to task
GB NEWS / PA
“A 51-year-old trans woman who the World Athletics body ruled that her testosterone levels are sufficiently low enough to compete against other athletes”, he said.
“So far, she is through to the semi-final, but she was sixth fastest, so she doesn’t have much of a chance.
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Valentina Petrillo is bidding to win a medal at the ParalympicsGETTY“If you look at her size and shape, she is similar to those she is competing against.”
Emily interjected to argue Petrillo’s credentials as a potential medallist mean little as she could be taking a spot away from another athlete.
“She has been through a process of hormone treatment and has less strength as she did as a man”, Tatchell responded.
“She has less energy, less strength, that is why the governing body has decided she can compete.
Peter Tatchell joined Patrick Christys and Emily Carver on GB News
GB NEWS
“I don’t think she has specific advantages.”
Patrick hit back by pointing out Petrillo’s age - a relatively high one for an Olympic sprinter.
He suggested this could be a cause for concern due to how it is suggestive of an athlete competing with some form of genetic advantage.
“That is a disadvantage”, Tatchell snapped back.
Paralympics star Valentina Petrillo transitioned back in 2019GETTY“Age is working against her”, he added, before Patrick hit back: “It’s not though, is it?”
He said: “She’s in the semi-final of the Olympics. It’s ridiculous. At what other sport that requires physical exertion do you see a 51-year-old competing at the top?
“The implication is, she has some kind of natural advantage.”
“I understand your argument Peter, I just think people think biological sex should dictate what category you’re in”, Emily added.
“We’re never going to agree on this.”
Peter acknowledged “valid” concerns, but added: “The governing body have deemed that fairness in sport is very important and their estimation is, it’s fair she competes.”