Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has sparked controversy by labeling Italian sprinter Valentina Petrillo a "pathetic cheater" on social media. Petrillo, who is set to become the first transgender woman to compete in the Paralympics, has drawn criticism from Navratilova, who has been outspoken in her support of protecting women's rights in sports.
Tennis great Martina Navratilova has stirred up a storm of debate by lashing out at Italian sprinter Valentina Petrillo, who is poised to become the first transgender woman to compete in the Paralympics.
Martina Navratilova Slams Valentina Petrillo as "Pathetic Cheater" Ahead of Paralympics
Navratilova, a staunch advocate for safeguarding women's sports, took to social media to voice her vehement disapproval of Petrillo's participation in the upcoming games. The Italian athlete is scheduled to compete in the women's 200 and 400-meter races in the T12 classification for visually impaired athletes at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
"Petrillo is a pathetic cheater," Navratilova asserted in a post on social media.
Martina Navratilova Slams Valentina Petrillo as "Pathetic Cheater" Ahead of Paralympics
Her criticism stems from Petrillo's transition from competing as a male to a female athlete. Petrillo, now 50 years old, was born male and competed in track and field events under the men's T12 category. She won 11 national titles between 2015 and 2018 before undergoing gender transition in 2019.
In response to a video of Petrillo discussing her aspirations for the Summer Games, Navratilova expressed her disgust, stating that it was "sickening" for Petrillo to "steal women's trophies."
Martina Navratilova Slams Valentina Petrillo as "Pathetic Cheater" Ahead of Paralympics
"Yet another male stealing women’s trophies. In [the] Paralympics, no less. Sickening," Navratilova wrote.
Petrillo's diagnosis with Stargardt disease, a degenerative eye condition, during her teenage years led her to pursue a career in Paralympic sports. After transitioning, she realized her long-held dream of competing in the women's category in 2020.
Martina Navratilova Slams Valentina Petrillo as "Pathetic Cheater" Ahead of Paralympics
"I began transitioning in 2019 and in 2020 I realized my dream, which was to race in the female category, to do the sport that I had always loved doing," Petrillo told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "I got to 50 before it came true … we all have the right to a second choice of life, a second chance."
However, Navratilova's stance is shared by some competitors who have raised concerns about the fairness of Petrillo's inclusion in the women's events.
World Athletics, the governing body for track and field, implemented a ban last year that prohibits trans athletes who transitioned after puberty from competing in women's events due to potential physical advantages. However, World Para Athletics, its Paralympic counterpart, has yet to follow suit, paving the way for Petrillo's participation.
World Para Athletics requires transgender athletes competing in women's categories to declare their gender identity for sporting purposes and provide evidence that their testosterone levels have been below 10 nanomoles per liter of blood for at least 12 months prior to their first competition.
Despite the controversy surrounding her participation, Petrillo has dismissed concerns about fairness, stating that her status as a former male athlete does not confer an advantage.
"I have asked myself ‘But Valentina, if you were a biological woman and you saw a Valentina racing with you, what would you think?’ And I responded to myself that I would also have some doubts," Petrillo told the AP. "But then through my experiences and what I learned I can state clearly … that it doesn’t mean that because I was born a man that I will be stronger than a woman."
Petrillo's performance at the Paralympic Games will be closely scrutinized as she aims to qualify for the finals of the 400 and 200-meter sprints, scheduled for September 3 and 7, respectively.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
