New Zealand Weightlifter Could Become First Transgender Olympian
A change in Olympic qualification rules has allowed New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, a transgender female to qualify for the Tokyo Games.
Hubbard, who was born a biological man, would be the first transgender person to compete in the Olympics if they were to qualify.
Reuters reported that the International Weightlifting Federation had altered its qualifications due to the impact of COVID-19, opening the door for Hubbard to go to Tokyo.
"A previous requirement to attend six competition events has been reduced to four due to the impact of COVID-19”
Laurel Hubbard, who is 43 years of age, had previously been competing in men’s weightlifting competition before transitioning in 2013 to a transgender female.
Hubbard has been eligible to compete in the Olympics since 2015, when the IOC issued new rules allowing transgender athletes to participate as long as their testosterone levels are below a certain range.
New Zealand has made it clear they do not intent on selecting its weightlifting teams until June at the earliest.
Hubbard has been competing internationally for decades, earning a gold medal in the 2019 Pacific Games and a 6th place finish at the 2019 World Championships.
NBC Sports currently has Hubbard listed at 16th in the world for the listed female weight class.
Laurel Hubbard’s career has sprung controversy with fans and even rival nations decrying Hubbard’s eligibility in the sport.
After Hubbard’s 2017 Silver Medal finish at the World Championships, there was immense backlash on social media over the issue. If Hubbard were to be awarded a spot in the Olympics, it would certainly stir up controversy.
Do you believe transgender athletes should be able to participate in sports? Should the Olympics prevent Hubbard from participating? Comment your thoughts below!