CWG 2018: Organisers Assure ‘Full Support’ to Trans Weightlifter

Last year, Hubbard won 2 silvers at the World Championships & became New Zealand’s 1st medallist at the competition

Hubbard, previously known as Gavin, transitioned to female in her 30s, after competing at national level as a man.

(Photo: The Quint)

New Zealand’s transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard was assured of full support from the Commonwealth Games organisers on Monday after Australian weightlifting chief Mike Keelan criticised her for having an unfair advantage.

Hubbard, who delayed her arrival, will take part in the women’s +90kg category in the Games.

It’s very, very clear that Laurel is eligible to compete as a woman in accordance with the existing rules and we respect that right for her to compete. We’re fully supportive of athletes who are eligible to compete and this is an athlete who has competed in other International Weightlifting Federation competitions and we look forward to the success of all athletes competing.

David Grevemberg, CEO, Commonwealth Games 2018

Reports from New Zealand said Hubbard (40) had delayed her arrival at the Games in Australia, where she is likely to find herself in the media spotlight.

Hubbard, previously known as Gavin, transitioned to female in her 30s, after competing at national level as a man. She became eligible to compete as a woman after showing testosterone levels below the threshold required by the International Olympic Committee.

Hubbard won two silvers in the women's +90kg category at last year’s World Championships in Anaheim, becoming New Zealand’s first medallist at the competition.

“Every athlete has to develop a certain amount of toughness because when you are competing at this level, you can’t let the distractions distract you,” she was quoted last year.

I don’t think I am any different from anyone else, I don’t think I am any tougher -- I just do what I have to do. You would have to be a robot to not be affected by what people were saying, but I can’t control what other people think.

Laurel Hubbard

(With inputs from PTI)