Transgender Born As A Man Wins Women’s Weightlifting Competition

clip_image001

The first transgender from New Zealand won a weightlifting competition as other competitors have raised the question:“ Is this a fair win?’’

Laurel Hubbard, a 39-year-old from New Zealand, won the Australian International weightlifting competition. This competition is important not only because of its international character but also because Hubbard is the first transgender weightlifter from New Zealand.

The problem in this story is that other competitors believe she had an advantage since she was born as a man.

clip_image002clip_image003

This win is important for Hubbard because this victory qualifies her for the upcoming Gold Coast’s Commonwealth games.

Though the Olympic Committee has no problem with Hubbard’s participation in this competition, most of the Australian weightlifters think her victory was simply not fair.

“We all deserve to be on an even playing field. It’s difficult when you believe that you’re not. If it’s not even, why are we doing the sport?” one of the competitors said.

Hubbard was born as Gavin Hubbard and successfully competed in the men’s category. He transitioned in his mid-30s and since then has competed in the women’s category.

Tracey Lambrechs is possibly the only competitor who supported Hubbard. She won a bronze medal.

clip_image004

Laurel Hubbard receives her gold medal. (1News Now)

clip_image005

One of the distinguished sportswriters from New Zealand, Phil Gifford supported Hubbard: “It’s testosterone levels which is a much more scientific way of measuring male gender, female gender than anything else that is currently known. And Lauren has passed all of those tests over the last 12 months,” Gifford said.

Here’s the catch: The IOC recognizes competitors as males or females. But, there isn’t a specific category that recognizes transgender.

[mashvideo]

source [1]

Let other people know about this story by pressing share below