Written by Transgender weightlifter, Laurel Hubbard transitioned eight years ago at the age of 35. Since then, she has successfully met all of the requirements of the International Olympic Committee’s regulations for trans athletes and fair competition. The IOC policy specifies conditions under which those who transition from male to female can be eligible to compete in the female category.
Hubbard is undoubtedly strong and can definitely carry, she has also carried the weight of transgender athletes throughout the world and has successfully won her place at the Tokyo Olympics representing her country, New Zealand.
The IOC policy stipulates their overarching objective remains the guaranteed fairness of the competition. Some competitors, like Anna Vanbellinghen of Belgium, argue the validity of this in light of Hubbard’s selection. One of the determining criteria of eligibility for selection is not exceeding 10 nanomoles per liter of testosterone which is around five times the level of a biological woman. However, a biological man will have on average Testosterone blood levels about 10-20 times greater than in women, much more than present in a transgender person permitted to be selected. Additionally, women afflicted with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting ovaries, can have up to seven nanomoles of testosterone in their blood due to the conditions creating higher levels of testosterone than the average woman. This is closer to that level permitted for transgender women yet they are, as they should be, unquestionably eligible for selection.
Vanbellinghen, who will potentially be competing against Hubbard, emphatically argued that Hubbard’s inclusion in the Games would be “like a bad joke” for female competitors; “… anyone that has trained weightlifting at a high level knows this to be true in their bones: This particular situation is unfair to the sport and to the athletes. Life-changing opportunities are missed for some athletes — medals and Olympic qualifications — and we are powerless. Of course, this debate is taking place in a broader context of discrimination against transgender people and that is why the question is never free of ideology.”
Vanbellinghen is not without support in her assertions, other athletes and officials have expressed their belief that Hubbard has a natural advantage in terms of physiology and strength. New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith reiterated however that Hubbard has successfully met all the criteria to compete in Tokyo.
In a 2017 interview, Hubbard stated “All you can do is focus on the task at hand and if you keep doing that it will get you through. I’m mindful I won’t be supported by everyone but I hope that people can keep an open mind and perhaps look at my performance in a broader context.”
Australian weightlifter Charisma Amoe-Tarrant has supported her competitor fully saying Hubbard deserves the opportunity to compete at the Olympics. Amoe-Tarrant isn’t fearful of any perceived unfair advantage and her respect for Hubbard is apparent as she reminds us that these games are completely different to others before it. A notion seconded by fellow Australian and deputy chef de mission for Tokyo, Susie O’Neill, who welcomes Hubbard’s selection and Amoe-Tarrant’s positive attitude. Our world is changing and in keeping with the New Zealand team’s mantra we must “… have a strong culture of manaaki (hospitality) and inclusion and respect for all.”
The testosterone level allowed for trans women athletes has been cut in half (inews.co.uk)