Transgender weightlifter sets New Zealand records for second time

A transgender weightlifter has shattered records in international women’s competition for the second time in two outings.

Laurel Hubbard, who previously competed in the sport as a man, set new high marks at the World Masters Games in Auckland Saturday, snatching 131kg and lifting 149kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 280kg, reported the New Zealand Herald.

All three marks would have broken New Zealand records in the 90kg-plus women’s division, which Ms. Hubbard set last month in her debut in the Australian International in Melbourne but are not claimable under the World Masters Games conditions.

Olympic Weightlifting New Zealand manager Simon Kent described Saturday’s performance as “magnificent.”

“This is such a new issue for society o have a conversation about,” Ms. Kent told the Herald. “It really challenges how people respond to it — it’s not something that is openly discussed or talked about.”

“As an organization, we’re tremendously proud of what Laurel’s doing,” he said. “She’s tremendously courageous to do what she’s doing.”