5 nanomoles – the Olympic dream of a trans woman

Valentina Petrillo, a visually impaired athlete, always perceived herself as a woman, even when she was running and winning competitions in the male category. For a long time she tried to comply with society's rules, but in 2019, at age 46, she decided to begin her transition. She also knew that she didn't want to give up her athletic career. She thus embarked on a difficult battle, demanding that Italian sports federations comply with the international guidelines on transgender people's participation in sports. Today, after a long struggle, she is the first Italian transgender athlete competing internationally in the women's category. Her story was featured in hundreds of articles and tv appearances in Italy and abroad, and her courageous challenge of unscripted societal rules is an inspiring example across continents. Despite all odds, her dream to participate in the Paralympic Games continues to drive her forward.