NZ weightlifter Laurel Hubbard to become first transgender athlete to compete at Olympics

Laurel Hubbard was selected by New Zealand for the women's event at the Tokyo Games, a decision set to reignite a debate over inclusion and fairness in sport.  Hubbard will compete in the super-heavyweight 87+kg category.

Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics after being selected by New Zealand for the women's event at the Tokyo Games, a decision set to reignite a debate over inclusion and fairness in sport. Hubbard will compete in the super-heavyweight 87+kg category, her selection made possible by an update to qualifying requirements in May. The 43-year-old, who will be the oldest lifter at the Games, had competed in men`s weightlifting competitions before transitioning in 2013. "I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders," Hubbard said in a statement issued by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) on Monday (June21). NZOC chief Kereyn Smith said it was an "historic moment in sport and for the New Zealand team. "She is our first Olympian who has transitioned from male to female," she told reporters. "We do know that there are many questions about fairness of transgender athletes competing in the Olympic Games but I would like to take this opportunity to remind us all that Laurel has met all of the required criteria."