The International Olympic Committee has officially backed a transgender weightlifter in her bid to compete in the upcoming Olympics games.
On Saturday, July 17, the IOC confirmed per Reuters that 43-year-old Laurel Hubbard, who was assigned male at birth, is able to represent New Zealand in the women's weightlifting super-heavyweight category.
As such, she will be the very first trans athlete to compete at the Olympics.
"The rules for qualification have been established by the International Weightlifting Federation before the qualifications started," IOC chief Thomas Bach said during a press conference, per the outlet. "These rules apply, and you cannot change rules during ongoing competitions."
Bach also emphasized that qualification regulations are still under review.
"The IOC is in an inquiry phase with all different stakeholders… to review these rules and finally to come up with some guidelines, which cannot be rules because this is a question where there is no one-size-fits-all solution," he added. "It differs from sport to sport."
"The rules are in place and the rules have to be applied and you cannot change the rules during an ongoing qualification system," Bach continued. "This is what all the athletes of the world are relying on: that the rules are being applied."
Hubbard's inclusion in the women's category has been a divisive talking point in recent months.
Some argue it is unfair as they suspect a transgender woman would have a natural advantage over her cisgender counterparts.
However, Hubbard has nevertheless received an overwhelming amount of support from fans in recent weeks, with one saying: "I am in awe of Laurel Hubbard’s courage. This is such an incredibly important decision for moving towards more inclusive sport [...] Congrats to Laurel & other qualifying athletes."
Another said: "This is awesome!!! So happy for Laurel."
One shared: "Medals are meaningless. Respecting others’ freedom to be who they really are actually matters. #LaurelHubbard. [sic]"
A final person said: "Hey folks, be kind out there, & report & block the [TERFs] who will out in force after today’s historical step for more inclusive & representative sport. If you’re cis, it’s on you to do the heavy lifting here. [sic]"
