‘The world is changing’ – Hubbard looks to life after Olympics

Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard has joked she is looking forward to declining into obscurity and being simply a Pub Quiz question.

New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard waves during the women’s +87kg weightlifting Group B competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Photo: AFP or licensors

She made Olympic history overnight by becoming the first openly transgender female athlete to compete at the Games

But her competition in the weightlifting was short. She suffered a disappointing early exit from the women’s +87 kg final after three no lifts in the snatch.

But today she spoke to invited media about last night’s competition and how she was feeling about being thrust into the spotlight over trans issues.

“I am looking forward to my career as a Pub Quiz question on a card. That might sound slightly facetious but there is a kernel of truth in it.

“I have never been involved in sport because I am interested in publicity or profile. So, if it means I now begin to descend into graceful obscurity, then I am OK with that.”

She also answered critics who had questioned why she and her team did not challenge a judge’s ruling on her second lift, which was ruled invalid.

She cleared the bar above her head on the second attempt at 125 kg and there was a brief celebratory moment of triumph, clenched fists and loud cheers, but it was cut short by the judges who declared it a no lift.

Hubbard said she has not seen video of the lift but she has faith that the referees were following the rules.

“My team made absolutely the right decision. Strategically, snatch has always been the stronger of my two lifts so it was probably better to keep that challenge card, of which there is only one, for the clean and jerk (lift). So I have every confidence my coaches made the right decision.”

Laurel Hubbard at the IWF Weightlifting World Championships in Anaheim, California in 2017.
Photo: Elieko / IWF World Championships

At 43, Hubbard was the oldest competitor in the weightlifting in Tokyo, in which her inclusion has ignited a fierce debate about fairness for women and about gender identification and inclusivity.

Hubbard competed in weightlifting at junior level and transitioned eight years ago, resumed weightlifting and became eligible for the Games under a 2015 International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s events.

In a short and at times moving press conference, Hubbard said she felt the camaraderie of her fellow lifters who were also all focusing on doing their best on game day and she did not feel any unkindness.

Hubbard had been tipped as a medal possibility for a medal in Tokyo having won a world championship silver in 2017 and Oceania championship gold in 2019.

“It comes down to the fickle nature of sport,” she said today.

“You put yourself out there and you find out one way or another. As all weightlifters know, there is no gain in being strong in your own time. But when you are out on that Olympic platform and you have one minute, it is really a test like no other.”

Laurel Hubbard
Photo: Photosport

Hubbard had a word of encouragement for young people who may have been watching her progress to the Games.

“I think the world is changing and there are opportunities for people to be out in the world and do things just as other people do.

“So if there is one thing I would like to pass on it is this; life is difficult, there are disappointments, I know, I certainly had some today, as do we all. But if you keep pressing on it does get better.”

Hubbard thanked the people of New Zealand for their support.

She said there were no really “individual events” at a Games. Athletes were surrounded by coaches and staff. She said they had been supportive and helped her prepare perfectly for the Games.

But she also thanked those people who encourage young people into sport, or offer a kind word, or, in her case, had offered support.

“Thank you all for being part of my Olympic team. You have no idea. Thank you all.”