Transgender athlete Valentina Petrillo says questions about women's participation in sport are justified after failing to qualify for the Paralympic T12 400m final.
The 50-year-old Italian, who turned pro in 2019, recorded the sixth fastest time in both semi-finals on Monday evening but failed to qualify for a medal in Paris.
She appeared overwhelmed in her post-race interview after setting a personal best of 57.58 seconds at the Stade de France.
Naples-born Petrillo, a married father of two who has won 11 national titles in the men's category, also called for an end to prejudice and discrimination, saying “people still die for being transgender.”
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Miriam Walker-Khan of Sky Sports News reports on day five of the Paralympics, where Jonnie Peacock finished fifth in the men's T64 100m final, while transgender athlete Valentina Petrillo failed to qualify for the T12 400m final.
“Listen, this is the first time I've asked myself this question,” she told Italian TV channel Rai 1 when asked about the criticism she's received.
“Before, when I decided not to run anymore because I didn't want to run as a man, I asked myself this question: 'What would it be like for you, a biological woman, to see Valentina on the track?'
“I think that's a legitimate question. It's a normal question.
“We are born into a society that pushes us to make a certain speech, but through this journey I have learned a lot and come to understand where the problem really lies.
“The problem is an information problem. So we have to talk about these things and not be afraid.
“We have to ask ourselves questions, and the sports world has to ask us questions.
“Of course, the word inclusion needs to be at the forefront of sports because we need to find solutions that work for everyone.”
Petrillo, who is blind, is the second transgender Paralympic athlete, according to the International Paralympic Committee.
Dutch discus thrower Ingrid van Kranen, who died in 2021, competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Petrillo, who clocked 58.35 seconds in the first round of the 400m on Monday morning, will compete again in the T12 200m on Friday.
“Unfortunately, hate follows people like me in their lives,” she said.
“It is not right that we should face discrimination and prejudice simply because we exist.
“Unfortunately, there are still people in the world who die because they are transgender.
“There’s a lot of fear. I hope that I can embody diversity and normalize what this phenomenon is through my message.”
Petrillo was diagnosed with Stargardt disease (a genetic eye disease) at the age of 14.
She had previously expressed her desire to be “loved” in France, but said it was “only fair” for her to compete.
Currently, there is no unified stance on transgender inclusion, and the IPC allows international sport governing bodies to set their own policies.
According to World Para Athletics rules, athletes who are legally recognized as female can compete in the disciplines they are eligible for based on their disability.
