Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard has made history as the first openly transgender woman to participate in a solo event at the Olympics in its entire history.
The 43-year-old from New Zealand took part in the women’s super heavyweight 87+kg category on Monday. Her medal ambitions were cut short after three failed lift attempts.
Hubbard became eligible to compete back in 2015, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) published changes to its eligibility guidelines for trans athletes. These include a limitation on testosterone levels.
In the case of male to female transition, the IOC requires that athletes' testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per liter for at least 12 months before their first competition.