‘ My injury may be career- ending’

Gold Coast: A transgender weightlifter who made waves at the Commonwealth Games said her career may be over after she suffered a dramatic injury mid- competition.

New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard, the Games’ first transgender athlete, made a painful exit while leading the women’s + 90kg competition as she attempted a tournamentrecord lift on Monday.

Hubbard’s left elbow buckled and she grimaced as dropped the 132kg barbell behind her, reportedly rupturing a ligament in an injury that will require surgery.

Hubbard later told a public event: “My arm is busted. It looks like it’s probably going to be a career- ending injury, it’s being looked at.

“I’m glad that I’ve gone out trying to achieve my best on the platform because as the ( New Zealand team) slogan says you have to ‘ earn the fern’, you can’t just phone it in.

“Thank you very much for your support, I’m very grateful.”

If confirmed, it has been a shortlived women’s career for Hubbard, 40, who was born Gavin Hubbard and competed for New Zealand as a man before transitioning to female in her 30s.

She competed at last year’s world championships in the women’s + 90kg category, winning two silvers — New Zealand’s first medals at the competition.

Her presence at Gold Coast caused much debate, with officials from two rival countries insisting she had an unfair advantage. Men Pool B — India vs England ( 3 pm)