Transgender athlete first at the Olympics
Selection fuels fairness row
A WEIGHTLIFTER has sparked a new row over gender fairness in sport as she becomes the first trans athlete to compete at the Olympic Games.
Laurel Hubbard was selected to represent New Zealand in the superheavyweight 87kg category.
The 43-year-old, the oldest weightlifter at next month’s Tokyo games, competed in men’s competitions before transitioning in 2013.
In a statement through the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), she said yesterday: “I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders.”
Advantages
In 2015 the International Olympic Committee allowed transgender athletes to compete as women, provided their testosterone levels were below 10 nanomoles a litre for at least 12 months before their first competition.
But some scientists say it does little to even up biological advantages such as bone and muscle density.
The Save Women’s Sport Australasia group yesterday criticised the IOC’s “flawed policy” and Samoa’s weightlifting boss said Hubbard’s selection for Tokyo would be like letting athletes “dope”.
Belgian lifter Anna Van Bellinghen said it was unfair for women and “like a bad joke”.
Hubbard, below, qualified for the 2018 Commonwealth Games but an elbow injury during the competition forced her to withdraw.
Those who back transgender inclusion argue the transition process lessens biological advantages considerably and physical differences between athletes mean there is never a truly level playing field.
NZOC secretary general Kereyn Smith acknowledged the “highly sensitive and complex issue” but said: “We have a strong culture of inclusion and respect for all.”
New Zealand’s sport and recreation minister Grant Robertson said of Hubbard: “We are proud of her and will be supporting her all the way.”