In 2015, the IOC released new guidelines to trans athletes and the New Zealand weightlifter was eligible for the Olympics.Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesLaurel Hubbard, a weightlifter, is the first openly transgender woman in the Olympics' history to compete in a single event. On Monday, the 43-year old New Zealander participated in super heavyweight women's 87+kg. After three failed lift attempts, her medal hopes were cut short. Hubbard was made eligible to compete in 2015 when the International Olympic Committee changed its eligibility guidelines for trans athletes. These guidelines include a limit on testosterone levels. The IOC has a restriction on testosterone levels in male-to-female competitions. It requires athletes to have testosterone levels below 10 nanomoles/liter for at most 12 months. The New Zealander who had previously competed at men's weightlifting competitions was able to transition in 2013 and was chosen to represent her country at the most prestigious sporting event in the world.Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesKereyn Smith, chief of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, called Hubbard's selection historic. Smith said that Hubbards was the first Olympian to have made the transition from male to feminine. We know there are questions about the fairness of transgender athletes participating in the Olympic Games. But I want to remind everyone that Laurel met all the criteria. Hubbard stated that she was not unaware of the controversy surrounding her participation in the weightlifting competition. "And as such I would like to thank the IOC for confirming its commitment to Olympism principles and establishing that sport can be enjoyed by all, it is inclusive, and accessible.Her inclusion was hailed as a significant milestone in the campaign for more trans athletes in sport. She is not the only one who has made history at this historic Olympics. Quinn, a Canadian soccer player, is the first transgender and nonbinary to compete in the Olympics. The CBC reported that they will be the first trans athletes to win an Olympic medal after Canada's semi-final win over the USA in women's soccer. In a touching Instagram post, the 25-year old midfielder shared their feelings about this moment. First trans Olympian to compete. I don't know what to feel. Quinn wrote that Quinn was proud to be in the lineup. They said that there was still much to do to make sport more accessible and inclusive. It is sad to know that Olympians like me were unable live their truths because of the outside world. I am optimistic about the possibility of change. Changes in the legislature. Changes in laws, structures, or mindsets. Most importantly, I am aware of the reality. Trans girls are being excluded from sports. Trans women face discrimination and bias as they try to achieve their olympic goals. It is not over yet and I will celebrate when we all are here. Canada will face either Australia, or Sweden in Friday's final. The first nonbinary American athlete to compete in the Olympics was Alana Smith, who participated in the skateboarding street competition.
