Wellington ¨C Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics after being selected by New Zealand for the women¡¯s event at the Tokyo Games, a decision set to test the ideal of fair competition in sports.
Hubbard will compete in the super-heavyweight 87-kg category. Her selection was made possible by updated qualifying requirements. The 43-year-old competed in men¡¯s weightlifting competitions before transitioning in 2013.
¡°I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders,¡± Hubbard said in a statement issued by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) on Monday.
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