Transgender Laurel Hubbard named NZ's sportsWOMAN of the year

by Red Lily Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:04 am

Transgender star Laurel Hubbard named ‘sportswoman of the year.’

Controversial transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard was named sportswoman of the year after competing at the Tokyo Olympics.

Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard has been named sportswoman of year by New Zealand’s University of Otago.

The university, which is based in Dunedin on the South Island, gave Hubbard the honour at the Blues awards during the week.

The 43-year-old made history earlier this year by becoming the first transgender athlete to compete in an individual event at the Olympic Games when she took part in the 87+ kg weightlifting.

And while Hubbard failed to record a successful snatch lift in Tokyo, she has still been recognised for her landmark achievement, becoming the first transgender winner of the award in its 113-year history.

In a statement made to the Otago Daily Times after receiving the award, Hubbard said she was “grateful for all of the support and kindness received from the teaching staff and students at Otago University’’.

Hubbard added: ‘‘It is not possible for athletes to complete at the Olympic level without the encouragement and aroha of friends, family and supporters.

‘‘This award belongs to everyone who has been part of my Olympic journey.’’

Hubbard had previously competed for New Zealand as a 20-year-old junior male athlete.

https://www.news.com.au/sport/more-sports/transgender-star-laurel-hubbard-named-sportswoman-of-the-year/news-story/af1037234391b112af574e7e81f7a37d

Transgender Laurel Hubbard named NZ's sportsWOMAN of the year 44614797-0-image-a-3-1624520590980