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Olympics: First transgender athlete

Laurel Hubbard will become the first transgender athlete to compete in the Olympics. Hubbard is a weightlifter from New Zealand and will take part in the Tokyo Games. Hubbard previously participated in men’s competitions before transitioning in 2012.

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The story

The New Zealand weightlifter, Laurel Hubbard, is set to become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics. The country’s Olympic Committee has named her as part of the women’s team for the Tokyo Games.

Hubbard competed in men’s competitions before transitioning in 2012.

Key words and phrases

trans
transgender

• Trans issues have gained more media attention in recent years.
• Some countries have laws in place to protect trans people.

polarising
very divisive

• The election has had a polarising effect on the country.
• The recent lockdown has polarised opinion in this community.

brews
becomes stronger

• Who will be selected for the Olympics? Speculation is brewing!
• An argument is brewing over whose turn it is to do the washing-up.

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