Trans weightlifter breaks records for a second time
A transgender weightlifter has broken records in an international competition for a second time in as many outings.
Laurel Hubbard earlier this year competed at the Australian International event back in March and after winning and breaking records was accused of an “unfair advantage”.
She has now set new records at the Word Masters Games in Auckland on Saturday.
Hubbard snatched 131kg and lifted 149kg in the clean and jerk, bringing her total to 280kg, according to the New Zealand Herald.
Back in March, with a total of 268kg, she lifted 19kg more than her second-place competitor.
The three marks broke records set by Hubbard back in March were broken in the latest competition.
But they were not claimable under the conditions of the World Masters Games.
The Olympic Weightlifting New Zealand manager Simon Kent said the win was “magnificent”.
“This is such a new issue for society o have a conversation about,” Kent told the Herald.
“It really challenges how people respond to it — it’s not something that is openly discussed or talked about.”
“As an organisation, we’re tremendously proud of what Laurel’s doing,” he added.
“She’s tremendously courageous to do what she’s doing.”
But not everyone agrees. Back in March, she was accused of having an “unfair advantage” when she competed in Australia.
Deborah Acason, a two-time Olympian, said: “If I was in that category I wouldn’t feel like I was in an equal situation. I just feel that if it’s not even why are we doing the sport?”
But most were supportive of Hubbard and recognised her bravery in coming out as transgender.
Meanwhile, a US transgender volleyball player has got her sights set on the 2020 Olympics.
Tia Thompson, 32, had been playing in the men’s division of USA Volleyball.
If Thompson makes it to the 2020 games, she will be pleased to find there will be transgender-friendly toilets there.
