SHOCKING: Over 30 Female Athletes Demand Removal of Valentina Petrillo from Women’s Competitions
September 27, 2025 — In a stunning and unprecedented development, more than 30 elite female athletes from around the world have signed a formal petition urging the World Athletics Federation (WAF) to disqualify Valentina Petrillo from competing in female athletic events. The athletes argue that Petrillo, a transgender woman who transitioned after years of competing as a male athlete, retains a biological advantage that undermines the principles of fair play in women’s sports.
The petition, submitted directly to WAF’s Ethics and Eligibility Committee, expresses deep concern about what the signatories describe as “the erosion of a level playing field” in female categories. The athletes call for immediate review of Petrillo’s eligibility, citing scientific studies and performance data that highlight retained male physiological attributes — such as lung capacity, muscle density, and skeletal structure — that do not fully regress with hormone therapy.
“This isn’t about identity — it’s about fairness,” reads the petition. “We respect Valentina’s right to live authentically, but we cannot ignore the undeniable advantage conferred by male puberty and years of male athletic development.”
Valentina Petrillo, who was legally recognized as female in 2021 and has since competed in several national and international para-athletic events, fired back with a brief but defiant 21-word statement:
> “I have earned my place through dedication and compliance with every rule. I will not be erased — I will be defended.”
Petrillo also revealed plans to seek legal representation to protect her right to compete, warning that discrimination against legally recognized female athletes sets a dangerous precedent.
Her legal team is expected to file a formal response with the WAF in the coming weeks, likely citing international human rights protections and existing sport federation guidelines that currently permit transgender women to compete under specific hormone threshold conditions.
The petition has ignited fierce public debate across social media, sports communities, and political spheres. Many praised the athletes for taking a stand, while others condemned the move as exclusionary and transphobic. Some high-profile sports figures, including former Olympians and women’s rights advocates, have spoken out in support of the petition, calling it a “watershed moment” for women’s sport.
Public Reaction: Divided and Intense
The reaction has been immediate and global. Hashtags like #FairnessInSport and #IStandWithValentina have begun trending, reflecting the deeply polarized views on the issue. WAF issued a short statement acknowledging the petition but emphasized that “all athletes are entitled to due process under current regulations.”
WAF President Lord Sebastian Coe has yet to make a public comment but is reportedly convening an emergency panel of medical and legal experts to review the matter.
As the world watches closely, the controversy surrounding Valentina Petrillo is rapidly becoming a flashpoint in the broader conversation about transgender inclusion, women’s rights, and the future of competitive sport.
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