AIBU to be surprised that Laurel Hubbard didn't register a lift in the Olympics?

[Gladiolixoxo]

I wonder if all the controversy around Laurel's participation led to her losing her nerve?

I can’t help but wonder if it was deliberate to make a point tbh.

The cynic in me says she was taking one for the trans team so they can use her as an example when calling out trans athletes in female sport. A kind of 'look, I'm not stronger than these women!' kind of feat.

If she'd lifted them and won gold, the outrage would have peaked a lot of people that weren't peaked before. I think she's been managed.

Snap, lol.

I agree with @user1471447924

@naynayisay

The cynic in me says she was taking one for the trans team so they can use her as an example when calling out trans athletes in female sport. A kind of 'look, I'm not stronger than these women!' kind of feat.

If she'd lifted them and won gold, the outrage would have peaked a lot of people that weren't peaked before. I think she's been managed.

You have good point.

I have no hate toward trans people in sport but I believe if you've been through a male or female puberty, that's where you compete. I think things would be different if Laurel had transitioned before she gained the advantage of male puberty but she did gain the advantage and it has to be acknowledged without people screaming 'transphobia' at every dissenting voice.

Either way, there’s still another female weightlifter somewhere in NZ who should have had that spot.

Or, the fact is the Laurel actually isn't actually that good, and the Nauruan competitor should have had the chance to compete at the Olympics.

Agree with @PicsInRed. The obvious answer is that Hubbard is a really rubbish weightlifter. Couldn’t hack it in the men’s game, can’t hack it in the women’s game. Olympic lifting is very technical so if you’re not spot on, it doesn’t matter how strong you are, you’re going to fail. Maybe Hubbard will go away now, or at least won’t be selected again.

I think it's been set to be honest. It didn't even look like he was trying hard. Wouldn't surprise me if Stonewall and a lot of dosh was behind this.

Someone put this on another thread and I think it’s spot on:

If they lost on purpose, they can now stand as an example of why transwomen don't have a natural advantage and what are all the transphobes complaining about.

The fact it was an averagely talented, over privileged, obese, over the hill, 40 odd year old man competing without proper preparation will be forgotten about and 'by the by' in no time at all.

It never really mattered how LH did. What mattered was the women who missed out on their inclusion.

And the women who will continue to lose out now a poor performance will be seen as evidence of their being no advantage.

We all know that to be false. And next time when younger fitter and better athletes takes the spots, it will be too late.

Women being excluded from their own sports while males have a choice of 2 categories, is about as unequal and unfair as you get.

@naynayisay

The cynic in me says she was taking one for the trans team so they can use her as an example when calling out trans athletes in female sport. A kind of 'look, I'm not stronger than these women!' kind of feat.

If she'd lifted them and won gold, the outrage would have peaked a lot of people that weren't peaked before. I think she's been managed.

Exactly this

She was a mediocre competitor in men's weightlifting, which doesn't elevate her to a world record/ Olympic lifter in the women's event. Regardless of whether they won or lost, the place was lost to a competitor who had waited their whole life to attend the olympics.

Maybe she’ll fare better in the Paralympics, just needs to find a way.

So, somebody who got likely bullied all her life (reality for many trans people), and excessively bullied before the competition didn’t manage to perform according to expectations. The result is - more bullying.
Its an amazing world we live in, isn’t it.

But the point is she should never have been in the competition in the first place. Why shouldn't people say mean things. She is a cheat.

@Itsanewdah

So, somebody who got likely bullied all her life (reality for many trans people), and excessively bullied before the competition didn’t manage to perform according to expectations. The result is - more bullying. Its an amazing world we live in, isn’t it.

You’re absolutely right - it’s an amazing world we live in when we can be compelled to lie about scientific truth. And where those who have the courage to defend women’s rights are bullied into silence through rape and death threats on social media. Positively Orwellian.

Laurel is 6ft 1 and massively built. Was a weightlifter as a man and was NZ record holder as a junior I believe. Millionaire dad. Yes , obviously bullied.

The sad thing is we're all talking about a mediocre male instead of celebrating elite women's sport. He cheated a talented young female out of the opportunity to compete and represent her country. And people tell us to 'be kind'...

Why is she a cheat? Are long legged people cheats in comparison to short legged ones? All tall ones cheats? Or short ones?
One things is however clear - being mean is always just that - mean.

I looked at all the ages in Hubbard’s group. Surprise surprise they were the only one in their 40s. There was one 33 year old but the rest were in their 20s.

Even if supporters of males in female sports use this to show males can compete as they can be beaten then what of the age difference. I can’t comprehend a 40 something female able to keep up with 20 something males in professional sports

Sad thing is that we are not talking about Emily Campbell who won silver!

@Itsanewdah

Why is she a cheat? Are long legged people cheats in comparison to short legged ones? All tall ones cheats? Or short ones? One things is however clear - being mean is always just that - mean.

The categories are divided by sex not arm length etc. Otherwise what’s there point in the categories as they are? Also if you did divide by height or weight etc then males would still do better than females.

I think people sometimes forget that behind all the hoohaa there is a real person.
Laurel Hubbard did not make the rules that allow her to compete, she personally should not be blamed for that.

I think all the media (& social media) fuss, and comments must have done a number on her self esteem, and I wouldn't be surprised if mentally she wasn't able to be compete to the best of her abilities.