4,000 global athletes, including first-time trans woman participant Valentina Petrillo, compete in the Paralympics in Paris.

4,000 global athletes, including Italian trans runner Valentina Petrillo, will compete in the Paralympics in Paris, marking the first time a trans woman participates. Despite challenges in Italy, Petrillo, who has Stargardt disease, was approved by Italian and Paralympic officials to compete. The Paralympic Games commence with an opening ceremony on Wednesday and races beginning on Thursday.