The International Olympic Committee on Saturday backed New Zealand's selection of transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard for the Tokyo Olympics despite criticism, saying that under the current rules — which will be reviewed in the future — she can compete.
Hubbard is set to become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Games after she was selected for the New Zealand team in the women's superheavyweight 87 kg and over category.
The 43-year-old's inclusion has been divisive, with her supporters welcoming the decision while critics have questioned the fairness of transgender athletes competing against women.