Transgender woman, Laurel Hubbard’s three attempts at 264 lbs lift came up short leaving her no option but to leave the competition. She did however celebrate as the first transgender competitor in Olympic history by forming a heart with her hands as she left the arena.
Hubbard made a heart gesture to the audience with her hands before leaving the competition arena.
Even without completing a lift, she was a pioneer for transgender athletes.
While the New Zealander isn’t the only transgender athlete competing at the Tokyo Games, she has been out for years and has been the focus of attention as a medal contender in weightlifting.
“Of course, I’m not entirely unaware of the controversy which surrounds my participation in these Games,” Hubbard said after exiting the competition. “And, as such, I’d particularly like to thank the IOC, for, I think, really affirming their commitment to the principles of Olympism, and establishing that sport is something for all people. It is inclusive. It is accessible.”
The editorial staff is thrilled that Laurel made history and wishes her the best in her future endeavors. And on a personal note, I have never won a marathon and have learned through time that training and competing is everything.
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