Valentina Petrillo, a visually impaired athlete, always perceived herself as a woman, even when she was running and winning competitions in the male category. In 2019, at age 46, she decided to begin her transition.

To continue running, and to do it in the female category, she embarked on a difficult battle, demanding that sports federations comply with the international guidelines on transgender people’s participation in sports.

Today, after a long struggle, she is the first Italian transgender athlete competing internationally in the women’s category. Her story was featured in hundreds of articles and tv appearances in Italy and abroad, and her courageous challenge of unscripted societal rules is an inspiring example for many people. Despite all odds, her dream to participate in the Paralympic Games continues to drive her forward.