A weight off her shoulders

Surprise retirement for Hubbard

Laurel Hubbard says she will bow out of the sport she loves knowing she tried her best to achieve greatness on the weightlifting platform.

The transgender New Zealand athlete, 40, told a function for family and media on the Gold Coast she likely would not compete again after the horror injury suffered when she was trying for a Commonwealth record 132kg in the snatch in the women’s 91kgplus competition on Monday.

‘‘I’m glad I’ve gone out trying to achieve my best.’’ Laurel Hubbard, above left

‘‘My arm is busted,’’ Hubbard said from a stage she was sharing with Commonwealth Games weightlifting champion David Liti, as well as shot put gold medallist Tom Walsh and swimming gold medallist Sophie Pascoe.

‘‘It looks like it’s probably going to be a career-ending injury, which is a real shame, but I’m glad I’ve gone out trying to achieve my best on the platform.’’

As Hubbard made the announcement, two of the New Zealand weightlifting coaches looked at each other with raised eyebrows, suggesting they were surprised she had made the announcement.

The injury came 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.

Hubbard was not available for interviews after the function yesterday but issued a statement, in which she added she had no regrets about aiming for 132kg, when her first lift of 120kg had her comfortably in the lead.

‘‘I am waiting to see specialists back in NZ but it is likely the ruptured ligament in my arm will be career-ending,’’ she said.

‘‘I have always believed it is not enough just to wear the silver fern and I do not regret pushing myself to try to deliver my best possible performance.’’

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 International Olympic Committee allowed her to take part in last year’s world championships after ruling she had undergone at least one year of hormone therapy and was recording sufficiently low levels of testosterone.

Hubbard was a silver medallist at last year’s world championships in the United States and was the favourite to win gold on Monday.

Her participation drew criticism from members of other nation’s weightlifting federations.