First Openly Transgender Athlete to Compete against Biological Women in Olympics

Tré Goins-Phillips : Jun 22, 2021
Faithwire.com

Since transitioning, Hubbard has dominated women's weightlifting.

[Faithwire.com] Laurel Hubbard—a biological male who identifies as female—is slated to become the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the Olympics after New Zealand selected the 43-year-old to participate in the Tokyo games. (Screengrab image)

Hubbard, who will be the oldest weightlifter to compete this summer, is "grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders," the athlete stated, according to the Washington Post.

The weightlifter transitioned from male to female eight years ago. Prior to 2013, Hubbard participated in men's competitions.

Hubbard became eligible to compete as a female in 2015, after showing a testosterone level below 10 nanomoles per liter for the preceding 12 months leading up to competing.

In a statement released Monday, New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith admitted "gender identity" in professional sports is a "highly sensitive and complex issue." She did, however, note Hubbard has the support of the committee, which is dedicated to "inclusion and respect for all"... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Continue reading here.