Hubbard’s participation in these Olympics was over in less than ten minutes. After two failed attempts with 125 kilos on the bar, she was out of the competition.
Then began a chaos to which we shall return.
Gavin Hubbard was born in Auckland, New Zealand and set a national record with 130 kilos in jerk in his youth. 20 years ago – 23 years old – he left the sport.
– It was just too much to carry, the pressure to try to fit into a world that was perhaps not made for people like me, Hubbard has said in an interview.
In 2012, gender correction and hormone therapy began. Gavin became Laurel Hubbard and five years later it was time for a comeback – 16 years after the last competition.
Hubbard tog VM-silver directly in 2017 and finished sixth at the World Cup two years later, after returning from a serious elbow injury.
On June 21, the New Zealand Olympic Committee announced that Laurel Hubbard had been selected for the Tokyo Games. Already there history was written, it was the first time a trans person was selected to represent a country in the Olympics.
The debate is still going on: should she be allowed to be here and compete? Opponents believe she has an unfair advantage over male puberty. Others think it is right to include trans people.
– The weightlifter from New Zealand did not get a lift approved.
Photo: Joel Marklund / Bildbyrån
An average of 30 journalists a day have watched the weightlifting on site at the Tokyo International Forum, says a press officer. We and Bildbyrån are the only Swedish media representatives on site this Monday, but we are accompanied by about 200 reporters from around the world.
– Everyone who wanted was not allowed to come. Many journalists were denied their application to cover, say the press officer.
When it was ready that Laurel Hubbard did his part in the competition, a dreadful sight arose: more than a hundred journalists got up and walked quickly towards the exit. Hubbard has given very few interviews over the years and no one wanted to miss her obligatory walk through the mixed zone.
The message changed: Hubbard would first take an hour (which caused many to miss her), but suddenly it was announced that she was on her way. Controlled chaos prevailed in the mixed zone when one of the escorts from the New Zealand weightlifting national team announced that a “statement” would be made. Hubbard took over the microphone and breathed hard. That the 43-year-old was chased by the attention and the seriousness of the moment seemed a long way off. She said:
– Thank you very much for your interest in my performance this evening. I know that, from a sporting perspective, I did not reach the standard I demand of myself, or what my country had expected.
– An average of 30 journalists a day have watched the weightlifting on site at the Tokyo International Forum during the Olympics. Now came around 200.
Photo: Joel Marklund / Bildbyrån
Laurel Hubbard stod there in black soft pants, gray hoodie, yellow cap and black mouth guard. She continued:
– But one thing that I am so deeply grateful for is all the supporters in New Zealand who give me so much love and encouragement. I wish I could thank them all for the help on this journey.
– One of the big misconceptions about weightlifting is that it is an individual sport. It is not. Behind each weightlifter is a team of people who offer support and encouragement.
Laurel Hubbard put down the microphone, but quickly picked it up again. She realized that she had more on her to-do list. The people of Japan and the government were praised for the well-conducted Olympic Games in a difficult time. The International Olympic Committee was also mentioned.
– I think the IOC has reaffirmed its commitment to the Olympics and demonstrated that sport is something that all people around the world can do. That sports are inclusive and accessible. I think it’s outstanding.
International Weightlifting Federation also received praise. The last thanks went to the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
– They have supported me through times that have been difficult. I know that my participation in these games has not been completely uncontroversial. But you have been so wonderful and a great help. I’m so thankful.
The time in the spotlight was over. Laurel Hubbard left the microphone, walked through the room with his eyes lowered. When the party came out through the last door, Hubbard hugged his loved ones.
Winner or loser?
Laurel Hubbard seemed to feel both.