Laurel Hubbard to be the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics.
Major change is coming to the Tokyo Olympic Games. It appears that Laurel Hubbard will be the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games. This historic occurrence is sure to be a controversial one.
Got the transgender community it’s certainly a major victory. But the arguments against this action are mounting and an accelerated pace. Many are upset that the transgender athlete who was born male and transitioned is competing against athletes who were born biologically female.
Making History
Despite the criticism, Laurel Hubbard will indeed be competing for New Zealand at the Olympic Games.
The weightlifter from New Zealand who competes in the women’s 87kg division made this official statement about being given the right to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.
“I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders,” said Hubbard.
“When I broke my arm at the Commonwealth Games three years ago, I was advised that my sporting career had likely reached its end. But your support, your encouragement, and your aroha carried me through the darkness.
“The last eighteen months has shown us all that there is strength in kinship, in community, and in working together towards a common purpose. The mana of the silver fern comes from all of you and I will wear it with pride.”
Great deal of individuals have responded less than kindly to the news. Many believe that Laurel Hubbard has an unfair advantage having being born a biological male. The argument is that Hubbard had loved most of her life with male physiology and cultivating strength throughout the years. Many women are upset with the idea of a transgender athlete competing at the Olympic Games.
No matter where you stand on the situation, Laurel Hubbard is making history and is shattering all expectations.
What do you think of Laurel Hubbard and her participating at the Tokyo Olympic Games?
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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.