Laurel Hubbard's landmark appearance lasted just 10 minutes, with each of her first three efforts in the snatch ruled no lifts. She 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. Under the IOC guidelines, transgender athletes can compete as a woman provided their testosterone levels are under 10 nanomoles per litre for at least 12 months before their first competition. "I'm here to talk about Sarah Robles USA," said bronze medallist Sarah Robles, when asked about Hubbard. But there were words of encouragement for Hubbard and confidence that the IOC had made rules to ensure fairness.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 02, 2021 15:11 UTC