Athlete Laurel Hubbard has been described as the “reluctant history maker” for her impact in the Tokyo Olympics. Months ahead of the New Zealander’s debut at the legendary games, the progress of the 43-year-old rapidly become subject to public opinion.
Headlines eagerly followed Hubbard’s track record, athletic history, and qualification for the 2020 games as a trans competitor.
A weightlifter representing New Zealand, Hubbard has shouldered plenty of criticism before the opening ceremony for the Olympics.
But, still, she remains a standout figure for how major competitions are able to integrate LGBTQ+ athletes. However, as one of the first trans athletes to compete in a global sporting event, there has been wide speculation about her