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Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, who in Tokyo became the first trans woman to compete in an Olympics, is retiring.
The 43-year-old New Zealander was more than 20 years older than most of her competitors in the 87-kilo class and admits that age has begun to take its toll.
– Age has caught up with me. To be honest, it probably caught up with me a while ago, says Hubbard.
Hubbard was knocked out after three failed attempts in a jerk, but her participation has made headlines both before and during the games. The debate has mainly been about whether she, who was born in a male body, has advantages over other women.
She herself praises the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for being inclusive enough to let her participate.
– I do not know if I will ever be able to claim to be a role model. Rather, I hope that just by being there, I can contribute to some form of inspiration, says Hubbard.
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