ToplineNew Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard was the first transgender woman to compete in the Olympics. However, she was disqualified after failing to complete all three of her lifts.Laurel Hubbard, New Zealand, says "Thank You" and bows following a lift in the women's +87kg...[+] weightlifting competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics. This event took place in Tokyo, Japan, Monday Aug. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) ASSOCIATED PRESSThe Key FactsHubbard was competing in the women's super-heavyweight over-87-kilogram division. Her first attempt at lifting 120 kg failed. The bar went over her head and behind the back. Hubbard lifted 125 kgs above her head, but she couldn't lock her arms. The judges declared the effort a failure. Hubbard tried again to lift 125kg on her third attempt, but this time she was unsuccessful. Hubbard was the only finalist who didn't lift at least one kilogram. She will therefore not be competing for a medal in clean and jerk. Hubbard gave a heart gesture of appreciation to the audience and television cameras after her third failure and thanked the International Weightlifting Federation that it showed that weightlifting was an activity that is open to everyone.Important QuoteHubbard said that he was not unaware of the controversy surrounding his participation in the Games. "And as such, I'd like to especially thank the IOC for, I believe, really affirming the principles of Olympism and establishing that sport can be enjoyed by all. It is inclusive. It is easily accessible."The Key BackgroundHubbard, 43 years old, made the transition in 2012 while she was still in her 30s. Before her transition, she had been awarded junior titles in weightlifting competitions for men. Hubbard caused a storm of controversy in 2017 when she started competing at international women's events. She would win two silver medals at 2017 International Weightlifting Federation World Championships. She won the Pacific Games gold medal in Samoa in 2019. Since 2004, openly transgender athletes are allowed to compete at the Olympics, but this is the first time that they have done so at the Tokyo Games.ContraCritics claim that transgender athletes should not be included because the benefits of having experienced puberty, which is induced by male hormones, are not fully countered by the drugs transgender women use to transition. Richard Budgett, Olympic committee's medical chief, acknowledged last week that Hubbard's participation was "large, complicated, and complex," but said, "Hubbard, a woman," and is competing according to her federation's rules.Tangent:Quinn, a Canadian soccer player who identifies himself as nonbinary, was the first openly transgender athlete in the Olympic Games. They shared their pride on Instagram by writing, "I feel proud to see 'Quinn" up on the lineup as well as on my accreditation." "It is sad to know that Olympians were unable live their truths because of this world. I am optimistic about the possibility of change.What to Watch Out ForCanada beat the U.S. women’s national team in the Olympic semifinals on Monday. Quinn and her teammates will now compete in the gold-medal match, which will be the first in American history. Canada will face Sweden for the gold on Friday morning in Japan.Big Number:179. According to NBC News this is the number of LGBTQ athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics. It's more than triple that at the 2016 Olympics.Additional Reading:New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard to Become the First Transgender Athlete to Compete at The Olympics (Forbes).Hubbard, a transgender weightlifter, makes Olympic history (AP)
