Laurel Hubbard becomes the first transgender athlete to compete in Olympics

New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard lifted 628 pounds (185 kg) in two lifts on the way to qualify in the women’s super-heavyweight division for the Tokyo Olympics. Laurel becomes the first transgender athlete to compete at an Olympic Games. Hubbard was among five weightlifters which were announced on Monday in New Zealand’s team for Tokyo. The 43-year-old will be the oldest weightlifter at the games. 

Laurel Hubbard will be ranked fourth in the competition on 2nd August for women 87 kilograms and over. Hubbard stated, “I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders. 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 support, your encouragement, and your Aroha (love) carried me through the darkness.”

Advertisement

New Zealand weightlifter further said, “I’m mindful I won’t be supported by everyone but I hope that people can keep an open mind and perhaps look at my performance in a broader context. Perhaps the fact that it has taken so long for someone like myself to come through indicates that some of the problems that people are suggesting aren’t what they might seem.”