Laurel Hubbard Qualifies as the First, Out Trans Olympian

New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard made history during the 2021 Olympic Trials when she became the first openly trans Olympian.

Hubbard will be competing in the 192 pound category for women alongside her nation’s four other qualifying weight lifters. “I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders,” Hubbard gushes.

This Olympic season is breaking records with 100-plus, out-and-proud, LGBTQ athletes participating—more than twice the number of queer competitors than we saw in 2016. Eight other trans athletes are currently in the qualifiers, looking to join Hubbard on the national stage.

The 43-year-old weightlifter faced an uphill journey toward Olympic glory. Not only did her queer identity and age create roadblocks, but Hubbard was severely injured just three years ago. In 2018, Hubbard broke her arm in Australia’s Commonwealth Games and was told by doctors that she would likely never be able to compete again. After rigorous rehabilitation, Hubbard was able to regain her strength and qualify as the first out, trans athlete in the history of the games.

“As the New Zealand Team, we have a strong culture of manaaki and inclusion and respect for all,” says Kereyn Smith, CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee. Manaaki is a Māori term meaning support and connection. “We are committed to supporting all eligible New Zealand athletes and ensuring their mental and physical wellbeing, along with their high-performance needs, while preparing for and competing at the Olympic Games are met.”

Hubbard has met all the necessary requirements for trans athletes put forth by the International Weightlifting Federation and International Olympic Committee. Their criteria includes identifying as female for at least four years, a testosterone level below 10 nmol/L, and complying with further hormone testing. In 2016, the committee eliminated a requirement that would’ve forced trans athletes to undergo gender reassignment surgery in order to be eligible for competition.

In the wake of the momentous announcement, many transphobes have taken to social media to voice their anger over Hubbard’s victory. Despite the negative comments, Hubbard has held her head high, and her country and coaches are behind her.

Richie Patterson, President of the New Zealand Olympic Weightlifting Association, voiced his support for Hubbard in a statement following her qualification. “Laurel is an astute student of the sport and technically very good with the lifts,” Patterson beams. “We look forward to supporting her in her final preparations towards Tokyo.”

The guidelines for trans-inclusion at the Olympics have been thoughtfully studied, created, and implemented, which is partly why no transgender person has ever competed at the Olympics. The standards are incredibly high.

I'll be rooting for Laurel Hubbard as she makes history. https://t.co/C9E5kfiUCH

— Charlotte Clymer ????️‍???? (@cmclymer) June 21, 2021