Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard has made history as one of the first transgender athletes at the Olympics.
Hubbard’s quest for Olympic gold has come to a sudden end though, she failed on all three of her snatch lifts, eliminating her before the clean and jerk round.
As she did not have a successful lift in the competition she’s finish at the bottom of the tally board.
Hubbard was unsuccessful at lifting 120kgs on her first attempt, and then failed at two attempts lifting 125kgs. She did appear to have success on her second lift, but the two of the three judges declared the attempt disallowed because she bent her elbow.
Chinese weight lifter Li Wenwen set a new world record lifting 140kgs on her third snatch attempt.
Hubbard has rarely commented on the debate around her inclusion in the games, but spoke to the media after he appearance.
“I am not entirely unaware of the controversy which surrounds my participation at these Games,” Hubbard said.
“And as such I would particularly like to thank the International Olympic Committee for, I think, really affirming its commitment to the principles of Olympism and establishing that sport is something for all people, it is inclusive, accessible.
“Similarly, I would like to thank the International Weightlifting Federation. They have been extraordinarily supportive.”
“I think that they, too, have shown that weightlifting is an activity that’s open to all the people of the world.” Hubbard said.
Hubbard joins Canadian football star Quinn among the first trans folks who have affirmed their gender to compete at the Olympic Games.
Quinn, whose pronouns are they/them, had already one a medal before revealing their trans identity to the world. Now, Quinn has become the first out trans person to win a medal at the games as part of Canada’s soccer team.
“First openly trans Olympian to compete. I don’t know how to feel,” Quinn wrote on Instagram.
“I feel proud seeing Quinn up on the lineup and on my accreditation. I feel sad knowing there were Olympians before me unable to live their truth because of the world.”
“I feel optimistic for change. Change in legislature. Changes in rules, structures and mindsets.”
“Mostly, I feel aware of the realities. Trans girls being banned from sports. Trans women facing discrimination and bias while trying to pursue their Olympic dreams. The fight isn’t close to over… and I’ll celebrate when we’re all here.”
OIP Staff
You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.
