When Kiwi Laurel Hubbard took out the women’s over 90kg division at the Australian International weightlifting competition in Melbourne on Sunday, she achieved a personal first – her first ever victory in an international event.
The nature of that victory merits it, too. Hubbard lifted 123kg in the snatch discipline and 145kg in the clean-and-jerk for a combined 268kg total that was 19kg better than the second-placed contender.
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The title notched up another a first too, with Hubbard becoming the first Kiwi transgender weightlifter to win an international competition. It’s the second of those two achievements that the 39-year-old Hubbard – who was born Gavin and transitioned in her mid-30s – is attracting criticism and outrage for.
Two-time Australian Olympic weightlifter Deborah Acason told One News that Hubbard’s inclusion in the women’s ever was unequal.
“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?,” she asked.
See the rest of this story on VICE SPORTS.
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