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Laurel Hubbard, New Zealand’s representative in the 87+kg weightlifting class, bowed out of the Olympics when she was unable to record a lift in the snatch section.

Hubbard, who has a personal best snatch of 132kg, began with an attempt at 120kg, but lost control of it. She pushed up the weights to 125kg for her second attempt and looked to have achieved it, but the judges ruled 2-1 that it was a foul lift because she never had the bar steady enough overhead.

She elected to stay at 125kg for her third attempt, but was unable to lift it.

"My performance wasn't what I had hoped but I'm humbled by the support I've received from so many people around New Zealand. I am aware that my participation has been controversial."

"Thank you to the IOC for living up to the Olympic values and showing that sport is for all and that weightlifting can be done by all types of people." 

"Thank you also to Japan for hosting an extraordinary Games," an emotional Laurel Hubbard said after competition.

NZOC Statement

The New Zealand Team culture is one of manaaki, respect and inclusion.

The New Zealand Team wishes to make it clear that Laurel met the International Weightlifting Federation eligibility criteria guidelines for athletes who transition from male to female, which are based on IOC guidelines. As such, Laurel is eligible to compete at Tokyo 2020 as a member of the New Zealand Team.

We acknowledge that gender identity in sport is a highly sensitive and complex issue requiring a balance between human rights and fairness on the field of play.

The New Zealand Team is committed to supporting all eligible New Zealand athletes at the Olympic Games, ensuring their mental and physical wellbeing as they compete on the world stage.

Our priority right now is to protect our Team members.

Ngā Mihi

The New Zealand Team

Te Kapa o Aotearoa

 

Weightlifting
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