Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics. She selected by New Zealand for the women’s event at the Tokyo Games.
“I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders.” Laurel Hubbard said in a statement issued by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) on Monday.
NZOC CEO Kereyn Smith said Laurel Hubbard met IOC and the International Weightlifting Federation’s selection criteria.
Official statement
“We acknowledge that gender identity in sport is a highly sensitive and complex issue requiring a balance between human rights and fairness on the field of play. As the New Zealand Team, we have a strong culture and respect for all.”
The New Zealand government offered its support, with Grant Robertson saying, “Laurel is a member of New Zealand’s Olympic team. We are proud of her as we are of all our athletes, and will be supporting her all the way.”
Weightlifting has been at the centre of the debate over the fairness of transgender athletes competing against women.
Challenges
Laurel Hubbard worked hard on her game and made a remarkable comeback following a significant injury in 2018. He had a dream run in 2019 and 2020, performing extremely well throughout the year.
Hubbard, who also competed as a male, became eligible to lift as a woman after showing testosterone levels below the threshold required by the International Olympic Committee.
She will contest the women’s +87kg category in Tokyo, an event in which she is currently ranked 16th in the world.
On hearing of her selection, Laurel Hubbard highlighted the challenges she had faced in her journey to the Olympic Games.
“When I broke my arm at the Commonwealth Games three years ago, I was advised that my sporting career had likely reached its end. But your (fans) support, your encouragement, and your aroha carried me through the darkness.” She said
Tokyo Olympics
“The last eighteen months has shown us all that there is strength in kinship, in community, and in working together towards a common purpose. The mana of the silver fern comes from all of you and I will wear it with pride.” She added
Olympic Weightlifting New Zealand president Richie Patterson said “Hubbard had shown grit and perseverance to return from injury and rebuild her confidence. We look forward to supporting her in her final preparations towards Tokyo.