Paralympics Faces Transgender Controversy, Echoing Olympics Debate

Valentina Petrillo, a male until 2019 and now competing as a woman, stirs social media criticism.

AP/Antonio Calanni
Italy's Valentina Petrillo trains at Pieve di Cento, near Bologna, Italy, August 19, 2024. AP/Antonio Calanni

While the Paralympics is known for its stories of inspiration and triumph over adversity, this year’s gathering of disabled athletes is also enduring a controversy similar to one that arose during the recently completed Paris Olympics.

Have an account? Log In

To continue reading, please select:

Limited Access

Enter your email to read for FREE

Get 1 FREE article

Continue with
or
Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

$0.01/day for 60 days

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience

Unlimited article and commenting access

Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days

By continuing you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use