The first Commonwealth Games transgender athlete Laurel Hubbard of New Zealand has announced her retirement from the women's 90kg plus competition after hurting her arm on her final snatch yesterday.
The 40-year-old announced at a function for family and media on the Gold Coast she would likely not compete again.
She added it looked like her injury was career ending but it seemed to come as a shock to coaches with Stuff NZ reporting they looked at each other with raised eyebrows after the announcement.
Hubbard missed her attempt at a Commonwealth record snatch of 132kg, twisting her elbow as she dropped the bar behind her, resulting in her completing rupturing the ligament in her arm.
New Zealand’s transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard has withdrawn from the women’s 90kg+ final after suffering a sickening elbow injury on her third snatch. @7CommGames https://t.co/e3fcN1hTqq #7CommGames #7News pic.twitter.com/43MxphZ94c
— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) April 9, 2018
She left the platform in pain and received treatment in the 10-minute break prior to the clean and jerk round.
While Hubbard was disappointed not to have been able to complete her event she's happy to have done her best.
"It's obviously a difficult time but the one thing I am happiest about is that I tried to reach for my best performance," she said.
"This happens sometimes, but that's the sport.
"I am happy with the decisions I made today and I have no regrets," Hubbard said.
She also gave credit to the Australian crowd at the event yesterday for their support throughout her performance.
"Without any doubt, they have lived up to the mantra of humanity, equality and decency," she added.
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