In the high-stakes world of Paralympic athletics, a fierce debate over fairness and inclusion has reignited ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. German sprinter Katrin Müller-Rottgardt, a seasoned T12 visually impaired athlete, has issued a powerful ultimatum: she will refuse to compete if Italian transgender runner Valentina Petrillo is allowed to participate in the women’s category.
Müller-Rottgardt’s bold statement, “We train for years, not for this,” captures the frustration of many female athletes who argue that biological advantages from male puberty undermine the integrity of women’s sports.
This controversy traces back to the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where Petrillo became the first openly transgender woman to compete in para-track events. At age 51, Petrillo raced in the 200m and 400m T12 events but failed to medal, finishing without advancing to finals in either.
Despite this, her participation drew sharp criticism from competitors like Müller-Rottgardt, who previously expressed concerns about Petrillo’s potential physical edges from years of training as a man.
Müller-Rottgardt, now 43, has long advocated for clearer rules, stating in 2024 interviews that while everyone deserves to live authentically in daily life, competitive sports demand different standards to ensure equity.
Her recent refusal escalates the issue, positioning the 2028 Paralympics as a potential battleground for transgender inclusion policies.
Valentina Petrillo, born in 1973, has been a polarizing figure since transitioning in 2019. Before transitioning, she won 11 national titles in men’s para-athletics categories between 2015 and 2018.
After hormone therapy and legal recognition as a woman in 2023, Petrillo switched to women’s events under World Para Athletics (WPA) rules, which allow participation if testosterone levels remain below 10 nanomoles per liter for 12 months.
In Paris 2024, Petrillo’s presence sparked backlash, with critics like J.K. Rowling labeling her participation as unfair. Yet Petrillo views herself as an inspiration, hoping to pave the way for more transgender athletes.
She has expressed interest in competing at LA 2028, potentially at age 55, despite not medaling in Paris.
The global outrage stems from evolving policies amid political pressures. In the U.S., host of the 2028 Games, President Trump’s executive order has led the USOPC to bar transgender women from women’s events, aligning with bans in sports like swimming and track.
This shift threatens international uniformity, as the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) delegates rules to federations.
Müller-Rottgardt’s stance has amplified calls for WPA to adopt stricter guidelines, similar to World Athletics’ ban on transgender women in elite female track events since 2023.
Supporters of exclusion argue that male puberty confers lasting advantages in muscle mass, bone density, and lung capacity, even after hormone suppression.
Scientific studies back this, showing retained strength benefits in transgender women post-transition. Critics of Petrillo point to her pre-transition successes and post-transition medals, including bronzes at 2023 World Para Championships.
For Müller-Rottgardt, who won bronze at Rio 2016 and multiple European titles, the issue is personal. She has competed directly against Petrillo, once disqualified due to a guide error while ahead.
Her refusal threatens boycotts, echoing darts player Deta Hedman’s withdrawals from trans-inclusive events.
On the other side, transgender advocates and Petrillo herself emphasize inclusion and human rights. Petrillo has said she runs slower post-transition, prioritizing happiness over speed.
She acknowledges doubts but insists her story inspires visually impaired and transgender individuals alike.
The IPC welcomes diverse athletes but faces pressure to harmonize with Olympic standards, where transgender women are largely excluded from female categories.
As of November 2025, no final WPA policy for 2028 has been announced, leaving uncertainty.
Global reactions are divided. Conservative outlets hail Müller-Rottgardt as a defender of women’s sports, while LGBTQ+ groups decry her words as transphobic.
Social media erupts with hashtags like #FairPlayForWomen and #IncludeTransAthletes, amplifying the outrage.
High-profile figures, including athletes and politicians, weigh in, predicting the issue could overshadow LA 2028 preparations.
Petrillo remains defiant, training for potential qualification and viewing criticism as part of her journey.
Müller-Rottgardt, training rigorously, stands firm: years of sacrifice shouldn’t be overshadowed by policy loopholes.
This standoff highlights broader tensions in sports governance. With Trump’s influence on U.S. events and potential IPC reviews, 2028 could mark a turning point.
Will federations prioritize biological fairness or expansive inclusion? The answer will shape Paralympic legacy.
Female athletes like Müller-Rottgardt demand protection of categories built for equity. Transgender competitors like Petrillo seek space to chase dreams without erasure.
As deadlines approach, the world watches. Outrage simmers, but resolution remains elusive.
The 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, meant to celebrate resilience, now risk division over identity and fairness.
Müller-Rottgardt’s quote resonates: “We train for years, not for this.” For many, it sums up the fight to preserve women’s sports integrity.
Yet for others, exclusion is the real injustice. The debate rages on, with no easy winners.
