Laurel Hubbard is the first transgender lifter to compete for New Zealand at Tokyo 2020

Tony Joseph 4 years ago 2 min read

MEXICO CITY (apro).- Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, 43, became the first transgender New Zealand athlete selected by the New Zealand Olympic Committee to compete at the Tokyo Olympics, international media reported.

The decision was made in 2015 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow you to compete if your testosterone levels are below a certain threshold.

According to BBC Mundo, officials selected her for the women’s weightlifting competition 87 kg, causing controversy because her critics believed she had an advantage over other competitors who celebrated their inclusion in the Olympic Games.

“I am grateful and honored for the kindness and support that so many New Zealanders have given me,” he said in a statement issued by the New Zealand Olympic Committee on Monday, 21 June.

New Zealand Olympic Committee chief Karen Smith commented that Hubbard, who was born as a man and became a woman, met all conditions for the participation of transgender athletes.

“We recognize that transgender identity in sport is a highly sensitive and complex issue that requires a balance between human rights and fairness on the ground,” he said.

“As a New Zealand team we have a strong mind-set culture and there is inclusion and respect for all,” he added.

Hubbard competed in men’s events before coming out as transgender in 2013. She won a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships and finished sixth in 2019 after recovering from an elbow injury at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“Laurel has shown courage and perseverance in her return from a major injury and has taken up challenges to gain confidence in the competition platform. She is a smart student of the sport and is technically very good with lifts. We are from Tokyo. We look forward to assisting her in her final preparations for the tournament,” said Olympic Weightlifting New Zealand President Richie Patterson.