A weightlifter from New Zealand has been praised on social media for becoming the first transgender athlete to compete in the Olympic games.
Per New York Post, 43-year-old Laurel Hubbard, who previously competed in men's weightlifting before transitioning to female, has been picked to participate in the upcoming summer games in Tokyo by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
This comes after she won two golds and a silver medal in three of the women's heavyweight categories at the Pacific Games in Samoa back in 2019.
Per New York Post, New Zealand Olympic Committee chief Kereyn Smith commented on the decision in an official statement made on Monday, June 21.
Smith stated: "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.
"As the New Zealand team, we have a strong culture of manaaki (caring) and inclusion and respect for all."
Meanwhile, Hubbard herself added in a statement of her own: "I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders.
"Your support, your encouragement, and your aroha (love) carried me through the darkness."
In the wake of the announcement, a number of social media users have taken to Twitter to voice their support for the athlete and praise her selection.
For example, one person wrote: "Laurel Hubbard is awesome, well done to her."
A second commenter chimed in simply: "Go Laurel Hubbard!"
Meanwhile, another person stated: "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]"
Another person commented: "Medals are meaningless. Respecting others’ freedom to be who they really are actually matters. #LaurelHubbard. [sic]"
This person then stated: "This is awesome!!! So happy for Laurel."
Finally, someone else wrote: "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."
New York Post reports that Hubbard transitioned in her 30s, and only became eligible to compete in the Olympics as a woman after her testosterone levels had dropped below a certain required threshold.