“An incredible environment they have lived up to the mantra of humanity, equality and decency.” New Zealand has named Laurel Hubbard as the first transgender athlete to compete at the Winter Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The 43-year-old striker, who, in 2012, in the last few minutes, went to the New Zealand national team, the total weight of the divisions. On Monday, the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) confirmed that it is a measure of Laurel Hubbard to be selected to compete in the +87 kg category.
Hubbard is the oldest powerlifter, at the age of 43, and in 2018, suffered a horrific broken arm during the advance of the Commonwealth Games, which can be a career-ending injury. Hubbard was proudly awarded as a silver medallist in the year 2017 World Championships and a gold medallist in the year 2019 at Pacific Games in Samoa. She competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games but suffered a severe injury that sidelined her career.
“I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders,” Hubbard said, sources The guardian. “When I broke my arm at the Commonwealth Games three years ago, I was advised that my sporting career had likely reached its end. But your support, your encouragement, and your [love] carried me through the darkness." Sources USA today.
The extra weight Hubbard will have to deal with is that in her efforts to have her as a hotspot in the ongoing debate about the fairness of the trans-athletes participating in women's events. She was filled with anger, scorn, and ridicule and was immediately criticized by some opposing players.
Competed as Gavin Hubbard, her birth name, Hubbard's national records in the junior events, had the best results with a combined snatch of a clean & jerk, with a total weight of 300 kg (661 lb).
Some scholars argue that the guidelines do little to reduce the biological advantages, one of them who have passed the age of puberty as males including increased bone and muscle density.
Proponents of gender integration suggest that in the transition process, that significantly reduces this advantage and that the physical differences between the athletes to do that, you've never really been on a level playing field for all.
The International Olympic Committee's policy defines the terms and conditions on which those who are making the transition from men and women are eligible to compete in women's categories.
Among them, the athlete has declared that her gender identity is female and that the statement is not to be changed, for sporting purposes, for a minimum of four years of age. In addition, the athlete must demonstrate that her total testosterone level has been below a particular reading of at least 12 months before her first competition.
The involvement of transgender athletes in women's sports increases with the complex issues of bioethics, human rights, science, ministry of justice, and the individual.
Per the current International Olympic Committee guidelines, which were introduced in 2015, a trans woman can compete under the condition that her testosterone level should be less than 10 nanomoles mg per liter.
Earlier, the trans athletes to undergo sex assignment surgery was followed by at least a two-year course of hormone therapy.
The International Olympic Committee has issued guidelines, which are expected to be published in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Hubbard may not be the only trans person in Tokyo. Chelsea Wolfe, another transgender woman, will have to compete in the U.S BMX Freestyle Team, and Nikki Hiltz, who identifies as trans, will have to fight for a spot on the U.S. track and field list. In 2020, she was a member of the Canadian women's soccer team, recently came out as transgender. Canada has not officially released its Olympic roster, but she was one of the most critical players on the team who have qualified for Tokyo in January / February.