Transgender Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard Makes Olympic History, Despite Loss

New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard made history in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the first transgender athlete to ever compete in a solo event, but she crashed out of the Olympics over in the second weekend. She qualified for the Games after the International Olympic Committee changed its rules to allow women to compete if their testosterone levels are below a certain threshold.

Hubbard, who transitioned in 2012, was competing in the 87kg+ category but failed to record a single valid snatch lift in Tokyo. On her opening weight, Hubbard overbalanced, taking the bar behind her shoulders. Her second effort of 125kg was ruled invalid on a majority decision by the referees, while the third attempt was almost a repeat of the first, ruling her out of medal contention. It was a surprise that she didn’t dominate the event, as she was the massive favorite.

Hubbard’s appearance at the Games was mired in controversy. She took no questions after her exit but in brief comments thanked Japan for hosting the contest and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for its role in what she said was making sport accessible to all. “I’m not entirely unaware of the controversy which surrounds my participation at these Games. And as such, I would particularly like to thank the IOC, for I think really affirming its commitment to the principles of Olympics and establishing that sport is something for all people, that it is inclusive and is accessible.”

In the competition, Chinese woman-mountain Li Wenwen twice broke the Olympic record to take gold, while Team GB’s Emily Campbell landed Britain’s first-ever women’s weightlifting medal as she took silver. Sarah Robles of the U.S. had to settle for bronze.