Laurel Hubbard Out Of Olympic Games But Continues to Make History
Laurel Hubbard put on a groundbreaking performance and made history at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. She became the first transgender athlete to complete at the Olympics but her journey came to an end on Monday.
Hubbard failed to complete a single lift in her three attempts during the 87-kg finals. The New Zealand weightlifter failed her first attempt of a 120-kg snatch when the bar went over her head and behind her neck. Hubbard then completed what she thought was a successful lift of 125 kg but the judges did not agree. They ruled it a no-lift and Hubbard was down to her final attempt. The bar went over her head once again on attempt three and Hubbard was eliminated.
Laurel Hubbard did not earn a medal at the Olympic Games but she was still a major topic of conversation. There was plenty of debates about whether or not she should be able to compete.
In the end, the International Olympic Committee believed that Hubbard met all requirements for trans athletes and fair competition. The debate continued throughout the games but Hubbard was able to compete in Tokyo without any further issues. Before making her exit, Hubbard made sure to gesture to the crowd and did so by patting her chest and making a heart with her hands to show appreciation.
“I would particularly like to thank the IOC, for I think really affirming its commitment to the principles of Olympism and establishing that sport is something for all people, that it is inclusive and is accessible,” Hubbard said the the media.
Laurel Hubbard began her gender transition at the age of 35. She did not compete as a weightlifter at the international level up until this point. At 43 years old, Hubbard was able to make it to the Olympic Games. Hubbard’s testosterone levels were still greater than the standard for biological women but the IOC gave her approval and she was able to make a statement with her performance.
“I see the Olympic Games as a global celebration of our hopes, ideals and values and I would like to thank the IOC for its commitment to making sport inclusive and accessible,” Hubbard said in a statement provided by the IOC on Friday.
Hubbard was the oldest competitor in the finals. Sarah Elizabeth Robles was the closest to Hubbard in age at 43. Before going through her transition, Hubbard took some time away from lifting. What she was able to do will spark plenty of conversation but Hubbard is hoping to be an inspiration to many and make a change moving forward.
