Hubbard set to make weightlifting return
Laurel Hubbard will make her return from a serious injury at the national weightlifting championships later this month.
Hubbard talked of retirement following her elbow injury that forced her shock withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games during competition on the Gold Coast in May.
The transgender weightlifter will be joined by 2018 Games gold medallist David Liti at the championships in Auckland.
Hubbard said after her Games disappointment she likely would not compete again.
While trying for a Commonwealth record 132kg in the snatch in the women’s 91kg-plus competition, Hubbard’s injury occurred when the bar fell awkwardly behind her and she reeled in pain clutching her left elbow, ending her dream of winning Commonwealth Games gold. It was later confirmed she had completely ruptured a ligament in her arm.
The injury brought to an abrupt end her debut at the Commonwealth Games which drew widespread attention and controversy. Hubbard was cleared by the International Weightlifting Federation to compete in women’s tournaments last year.
She represented New Zealand as Gavin Hubbard before she transitioned in her mid-30s.
The 2018 Olympic weightlifting New Zealand national championships have attracted a record 129 local and international athletes to Auckland’s Kolmar Centre in Papatoetoe from September 21-23.
Hubbard and Liti will be joined by Gold Coast team-mates Alethea Boon, Bailey Rogers, Cameron McTaggart and Vester Villalon at the nationals.