Laurel Hargrave is Set to Make History

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Laurel Hargrave has just been named to New Zealand’s weightlifting team for the Tokyo Olympics, making her the oldest female weightlifter at 43 years old. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering she faced a potentially career-ending injury in 2018. However, what truly stands out about her story is that she is a transgender athlete, making her the first out transgender individual to compete in the Olympic Games. Hargrave is not just lifting weights; she is paving the way for other transgender athletes to participate in sports at all levels.

It’s a common misconception that transgender female athletes have an unfair advantage over cisgender athletes due to being assigned male at birth or undergoing male puberty. If you observe athletes in various sports, you’ll notice a wide range of physical differences among cisgender competitors, making it simplistic and uninformed to claim that being transgender inherently confers an advantage.

I’m not here to entertain the arguments of those who believe Hargrave has an unfair edge—many of whom likely haven’t even read this far before voicing their opinions on “biology” or “science.” I won’t engage with transphobic arguments rooted in fear and speculation; there is no valid counterpoint to this narrative. Hargrave is a woman who has qualified for the Olympics by adhering to the same standards that apply to all female athletes.

As Charlotte Clymer eloquently stated, the International Olympic Committee has allowed transgender athletes to compete since 2004, with updated guidelines introduced in 2015. These guidelines stipulate that any athlete transitioning from male to female can compete, provided their testosterone levels remain below 10 nanomoles per liter for at least 12 months. This rule is also endorsed by the International Weightlifting Federation. Importantly, there are no surgery requirements, as not all transgender individuals undergo surgical procedures during their transition. The focus is on inclusion and safety, with new guidelines for transgender athletes anticipated after the Tokyo Games. Currently, there are three transgender athletes competing among the 11,000 participants.

Assigned male at birth, Hargrave transitioned at 35 and began her international weightlifting career as a female. She won a silver medal at the 2017 world championships and ranked sixth in the 2019 championships, a year after her injury.

Despite not holding the title of the top weightlifter in her category, Hargrave is an extraordinary athlete. Her number of accolades doesn’t solely hinge on hormone levels; research has shown no evidence that transgender athletes, particularly transgender women, possess an unfair advantage over their cisgender counterparts. If Hargrave secures a medal, it won’t be due to her transgender status.

Competing at the Olympic level demands a unique blend of skills, time, resources, dedication, mental fortitude, and support. Fortunately, Hargrave has found strong backing from her community. Keren Smith, CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, emphasized the importance of “manaaki” (respect) and inclusion, ensuring that all eligible athletes receive the necessary support for their mental and physical well-being. Ritchie Patterson, president of New Zealand’s weightlifting federation, commended Hargrave’s resilience and determination in overcoming significant challenges.

Transgender individuals often exhibit remarkable grit and resilience in the face of societal discrimination, harassment, and violence. Their experiences are frequently invalidated, and they are subjected to arbitrary standards set by cisgender norms. Society often overlooks their right to exist authentically. Transgender athletes seek the opportunity to compete alongside those with whom they identify, gaining the benefits of camaraderie, mental health, and enhanced self-esteem. No transgender athlete aims to detract from the experiences of their competitors. The path to participation is often fraught with obstacles, and many trans individuals are grateful for any support they receive.

After being selected for the team, Hargrave expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders.” While her appreciation is commendable, support for transgender individuals should be a basic expectation rather than a rarity.

Although the Supreme Court ruled that Title IX protects transgender students, numerous lawsuits and loopholes remain that could hinder trans youth’s access to the education and sports they desire. I hope that young transgender athletes see Hargrave’s achievement as a testament to broader acceptance, transcending the narrow views of bigotry.

Congratulations and best wishes to Laurel Hargrave—whether or not she wins a medal, she has already secured a victory for the transgender community.

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Summary

Laurel Hargrave is set to make history as the first out transgender athlete to compete in the Olympics, representing New Zealand in weightlifting at the age of 43. Her journey is significant not just for her achievements in sports but also for the representation of transgender individuals in athletics. Despite misconceptions about unfair advantages, Hargrave’s success stems from her dedication and skill. With strong support from her community, she embodies resilience, setting a precedent for future transgender athletes. Hargrave’s story illustrates the ongoing fight for inclusion and respect in sports, highlighting the importance of acceptance for all athletes.