Hubbard thanked the International Weightlifting Federation for proving “weightlifting is an activity that’s open to all of the people in the world.”
New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, whose inclusion in the Olympics sparked debate worldwide, became the first openly transgender female athlete to compete in the Games on Monday but was eliminated after failing to complete any of her three lifts. « Of course, I’m not entirely unaware of the controversy which surrounds my participation in these Games, » Hubbard told reporters after the event. « And, as such, I’d particularly like to thank the IOC, for, I think, really affirming their commitment to the principles of Olympism, and establishing that sport is something for all people. It is inclusive. It is accessible. » Hubbard,43, transitioned in 2012, while she was in her mid-30s. She had won junior titles in men’s weightlifting competitions before her transition. In 2017, Hubbard generated a torrent of controversy when she began competing in international women’s events.
