IOC backs transgender weightlifter's selection for Tokyo, says to review rules later

Record ID: 1627166

  • Title: IOC backs transgender weightlifter's selection for Tokyo, says to review rules later
  • Date: 17th July 2021
  • Summary: JOURNALISTS
  • Embargoed: 31st July 2021 12:05
  • Keywords: IOC International Olympic Committee Laurel Hubbard New Zealand Olympics Thomas Bach Tokyo 2020 transgender weightlifter
  • Location: TOKYO, JAPAN / GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA
  • City: TOKYO, JAPAN / GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA
  • Country: Japan
  • Topics: Asia / Pacific,Olympics,Sport
  • Reuters ID: LVA004EM88QIV
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The International Olympic Committee on Saturday (July 17) backed New Zealand's selection of transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard for the Tokyo Olympics despite criticism, saying that under the current rules - which will be reviewed in future - she can compete.
    Hubbard is set to become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Games after she was selected for the New Zealand team in the women's super-heavyweight 87+kg category.
    The 43-year-old's inclusion has been divisive, with her supporters welcoming the decision while critics have questioned the fairness of transgender athletes competing against women.
    Bach said the rules would be reviewed with all stakeholders involved in order to set new guidelines in the future. Asked repeatedly if he supported Hubbard competing in Tokyo, Bach said the athlete's selection was based on specific rules.
    The IOC had cleared the way in 2015 for transgender athletes to compete at the Games as women, provided their testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per liter for at least 12 months before their first competition.
    (Production: Angie Teo, Pak Yiu, Hyunyoung Yi)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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