Valentina Petrillo's Journey at the Paralympics

The Journey of Valentina Petrillo at the Paralympics

Valentina Petrillo, a 51-year-old transgender athlete competing in the Paralympics, expressed her heartfelt emotions after missing out on the final in the 400m T12 event. Despite achieving a personal best of 57.58 seconds, she finished third in her heat and consequently did not qualify for the final scheduled later this week.

Reflecting on Challenges

Petrillo shared her sentiments post-race: “I missed that last straight. I pushed harder than this morning and I tried.” She acknowledged the reality, stating, “They are stronger than me. I had to do 56 seconds to get into the final. I have to be happy even though I’m a little upset.”

A Heartfelt Message to Her Son

• She became emotional saying, “I hope my son is proud of me.”
• Valentina, who identifies as a trans dad, noted, “It’s not everyone’s dream dad, but I hope he will be proud of me.”
• Her journey reflects a wider message about acceptance and the struggles faced by the trans community.

Looking Ahead

Petrillo looked to the future with aspirations for equality, urging for less discrimination in sports. “Let’s mark this down as a historic day,” she stated, emphasizing a desire for recognition and inclusion.

Inspiration from Adversity

Though her path has seen many battles, including a diagnosis of Stargardt disease in childhood, Petrillo continues to inspire with her determination. She won numerous national titles and transitioned to competing in women’s categories, aiming to pave the way for others in the trans community.

Valentina Petrillo: A Role Model

Valentina’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of visibility for transgender athletes. She plans to return to the track for the 200m T12 event, inspiring others to overcome their challenges and strive for greatness in sports.