Injury ends Hubbard dreams

Gold Coast. A transgender weightlifter from New Zealand said she had “no regrets” on Monday after her historic appearance at the Commonwealth Games ended with a painful injury.

Laurel Hubbard, 40, was leading the women’s +90kg category but when she attempted a Games-record snatch of 132kg, her left elbow agonisingly gave way.

Gold medal favourite Hubbard, the first transgender athlete to compete at the Games, said she thought she may have ruptured a ligament in her elbow.

“I have no regrets about the attempts that I made because I believe that to be true to sport, you really have to try to be the best that you can. I’m happy with the decisions that were made,” she said.

“It wouldn’t be true if I said I wasn’t unhappy at the moment but the nature of sport means that things don’t always go your way and it is what it is,” added Hubbard.

Hubbard’s presence had been criticised by some officials from rival countries, but she received a huge roar of support when she was introduced to the crowd.

“I think you have to be true to yourself and I hope in this case that’s what I’ve done,” said the New Zealander.

Born Gavin Hubbard, she represented New Zealand in male weightlifting events before transitioning to female in her 30s.

At last year’s world championships she won two silvers in the women’s +90kg category, becoming New Zealand’s first medallist in the competition. (AFP)