The 50-year-old sprinter, who transitioned in 2019, will compete in the women's T12 classification for athletes with visual impairments.

However, her participation has sparked controversy, with a petition signed by over 30 female athletes in 2021 challenging her right to compete, highlighting ongoing debates about inclusion and fairness.

Some critics, including lawyer Mariuccia Quilleri, argue that inclusion has been prioritized over fairness, suggesting that visually impaired athletes may be adversely affected.

The debate surrounding transgender athletes continues, with critics asserting that advantages from male puberty cannot be fully mitigated by transitioning, while LGBT advocacy groups maintain that excluding trans athletes is discriminatory.

Sports scientist Professor Ross Tucker has stated that male advantages from testosterone may persist even after hormone levels are lowered, adding complexity to the discussion.

Currently, there is no consistent policy across sports regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes, which further complicates the issue.

The Paralympic Games are scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024, where Petrillo will compete.

Valentina Petrillo is set to make history as the first openly transgender athlete to compete at the Paralympic Games, representing Italy in the women's 200 and 400 meters events in Paris.

Born Fabrizio Petrillo and diagnosed with Stargardt disease at age 14, she has previously won national titles in the male T12 category before her transition.

Petrillo expressed pride in her selection for the Paralympics, emphasizing that her identity is an intrinsic part of who she is, not a lifestyle choice.

Despite facing challenges, she has continued to achieve success, winning bronze medals at the World Para Athletics Championships last year.

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, has expressed support for Petrillo's participation while calling for a unified approach to transgender policies in sports.