sz. “YOU CAN’T BAN US!” — Italian transgender Paralympian SLAMS Olympic Committee after 2028 LA ban on trans athletes

Italian Paralympic sprinter Valentina Petrillo, the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Paralympics at Paris 2024, has recently voiced strong opposition to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) apparent move toward banning transgender women from female events at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics.

The 52-year-old athlete, who is visually impaired and competes in the T12 category, described the potential policy shift as a “step backward for inclusion and human rights” in recent statements, emphasizing that such bans discriminate against transgender athletes without sufficient scientific justification for blanket exclusions.

Petrillo’s comments come amid reports from November 2025 that the IOC, under new president Kirsty Coventry, is edging closer to implementing a uniform ban across all sports.

This follows a scientific review presented to IOC members, highlighting retained physiological advantages for athletes who have gone through male puberty, even after hormone therapy.

The review contradicts earlier IOC-backed studies suggesting transgender women may face disadvantages in certain areas like aerobic capacity.

Petrillo, who transitioned in 2019 after winning 11 national titles in the men’s category and fathering two children, has long advocated for transgender inclusion.

In Paris, she reached the semifinals of the 400m and 200m but did not medal, insisting her participation was about visibility rather than dominance.

She has previously pointed to research showing transgender women on hormone therapy can be at a physical disadvantage compared to cisgender women in strength and lung function.

The Italian athlete argues that rare cases like hers—only one openly trans woman in Paralympic history and one in Olympic history (Laurel Hubbard in 2021)—do not justify broad bans.

“Excluding us entirely ignores the nuance of individual cases and the effects of long-term hormone suppression,” Petrillo reportedly said, calling for sport-specific rules guided by science and fairness rather than political pressure.

The controversy has been amplified by external factors, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s February 2025 executive order banning transgender women from female sports in America, extending to visa denials for the 2028 Games hosted in Los Angeles.

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has already complied, effectively barring trans women from women’s categories.

Analysts suggest the IOC’s shift may partly respond to this pressure, alongside growing calls from federations like World Athletics, which has banned trans women since 2023.

Petrillo’s criticism highlights a divide in the sporting world.

While she acknowledges legitimate questions about fairness—having said in 2024 that debate is “fair” and solutions must be found for everyone—she accuses critics of transphobia and jealousy.

Figures like J.K. Rowling and Sharron Davies have labeled her participation unfair, citing male puberty advantages.

Yet Petrillo counters that her performances post-transition, including bronzes at the 2023 World Para Championships, reflect hard work under hormonal constraints that reduce muscle mass and strength.

As the only high-profile trans Paralympian, Petrillo sees herself as a symbol of progress.

She has expressed hope to compete in LA 2028 at age 55, stating in late 2024 interviews that her journey inspires transgender youth and promotes acceptance.

A ban would end that dream and, she argues, set a dangerous precedent for exclusion in sport.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has historically deferred to individual federations, allowing Petrillo’s participation under World Para Athletics rules requiring legal female recognition and testosterone suppression.

IPC president Andrew Parsons has opposed “blanket solutions,” favoring science-based, inclusive approaches.

However, with the Olympics and Paralympics increasingly aligned and LA 2028 under U.S. influence, changes could ripple to para sports.

Petrillo’s outspoken stance has reignited global discussions on transgender rights in athletics.

Supporters praise her for challenging discrimination, noting transgender athletes represent a tiny fraction of competitors and often face barriers like harassment.

Critics maintain that protecting the female category is paramount, backed by studies showing advantages in bone density, height, and heart size persist despite therapy.

As the IOC’s working group continues deliberations, with a decision possibly by 2026, Petrillo urges unity: “Sport should bring, guided by real science, include everyone without fear.”

Her voice adds urgency to a debate balancing fairness, inclusion, and biology.

For transgender athletes worldwide, the outcome in LA could redefine opportunities—or close doors—for generations.

Petrillo remains defiant, training for future competitions and advocating that “being authentic is worth any cost.”

In a sport defined by overcoming adversity, she embodies resilience, whether on the track or in the fight for equality.

The world watches as the IOC navigates this pivotal moment, with Petrillo at its heart.

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