Transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard was named Sportswoman of the Year by the University of Otago in New Zealand. She had previously made history by becoming the first transgender female athlete to take part in the Olympic Games in weightlifting.
The transsexual weightlifter was named Sportswoman of the Year by the University of Otago in New Zealand. The 43-year-old had previously gone down in history because she was the first transgender athlete to compete in an individual competition at the Olympic Games in weightlifting (87+ kg). Participation in the Olympic Games had sparked discussions. The university, which is based in Dunedin on the southern part of the island, presented the award to Hubbard this week as part of the Blues Awards.
The first transgender woman to receive this award
Even if Hubbard did not achieve a successful placement in the snatch in Tokyo, she was still recognized for her groundbreaking achievement: She is the first transgender woman in the 113-year history of the award to be named Sportswoman of the Year. At the next Olympics, Hubbard will be too old to participate according to the rules, which is why she was determined to compete again this year.
Hubbard told the Otago Daily Times that she was “grateful for all the support and kindness she has received from the faculty and students at Otago University.” She added: ” Without the encouragement of friends, family and supporters, it is not possible for athletes to compete at the Olympic level. This award belongs to everyone who has accompanied me on my Olympic path. “
Returned to sports after 16 years
Hubbard had competed as a man for New Zealand in weightlifting at the age of 20. She began the process of gender reassignment nine years ago and returned to her favorite sport as a woman in 2017 – after having been inactive for over 16 years.
She then qualified for the Olympics after the International Olympic Committee changed its rules, which now allowed transgender women to participate if their testosterone levels are below a required threshold.
However, Hubbard’s participation in this year’s Games sparked heated debate. A sports journalist and former Olympians found their participation “not fair”, including Caitlyn Jenner, who won the gold medal in the decathlon in 1976 as Bruce Jenner.
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