Laurel Harper has officially joined New Zealand’s weightlifting team for the Tokyo Olympics. At 43 years old, she will be the oldest female weightlifter to compete at the Games. This achievement alone is noteworthy, especially considering her battle with what she believed to be a career-ending injury in 2018. However, what truly elevates her story is that she is a transgender woman. Harper will become the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the Olympic Games, paving the way for other transgender individuals to pursue athletics at every level.
It is crucial to note that a transgender female athlete does not possess an inherent advantage over cisgender athletes simply due to being assigned male at birth or having undergone male puberty. Observing athletes in any sport reveals a variety of body types among cisgender competitors that would also be considered unfair. Thus, to claim that being transgender automatically confers an advantage is misinformed.
I won’t entertain those who argue that Harper has an unfair edge—many likely haven’t even read this far before voicing their opinions based on “biology” or “science.” I suspect that numerous comments were made without engaging with this article. There’s no need to counter transphobic arguments rooted in baseless fears or to present both sides of the story when one side is grounded in ignorance. Harper is a woman who qualified for the Olympics by adhering to the same guidelines as all other female athletes.
Charlotte Clymer succinctly articulates the situation: The International Olympic Committee allowed transgender athletes to compete starting in 2004, with updated guidelines introduced in 2015. According to these rules, any athlete transitioning from male to female can compete as long as their total testosterone levels remain below 10 nanomoles per liter for at least 12 months. This regulation is also endorsed by the International Weightlifting Federation. Importantly, there are no surgical requirements for participation, as surgery is not essential for many transgender individuals. Future guidelines for transgender athletes will be established following the Tokyo Games, ensuring that safety and inclusion remain priorities. Currently, three transgender athletes are slated to compete among 11,000 Olympic participants.
Harper, who transitioned at 35, began her international weightlifting career as a female athlete. She achieved a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships and placed sixth at the 2019 World Championships, the year after her significant arm injury.
It’s vital to note that Harper is not ranked as the #1 weightlifter in the world or even among the top 10. This is not a critique of her athletic prowess; she is exceptional. However, her performance cannot be solely attributed to hormone levels. Research has failed to demonstrate that any transgender athlete enjoys an advantage over cisgender competitors. Should Harper win a medal, it will not be due to her transgender status.
Competing at an Olympic level demands skills, dedication, financial resources, coaching, and mental resilience. Fortunately, Harper has a robust support system. Kiera Nascimento, the chief executive of New Zealand’s Olympic Committee, stated, “Our team embodies a strong culture of respect and inclusion. We are committed to supporting all eligible New Zealand athletes, ensuring their mental and physical well-being while they prepare for and compete at the Olympic Games.” Rocco Martinez, president of New Zealand’s weightlifting federation, praised Harper’s determination and resilience in overcoming significant challenges.
Transgender individuals often exhibit remarkable grit and perseverance in their everyday lives due to facing harassment and invalidation. They navigate a world that can either minimize their existence or amplify it in harmful ways. All they seek is respect and equitable access to housing, healthcare, and employment.
Transgender athletes aspire to compete alongside those with whom they identify. They, particularly youth, yearn for the camaraderie and self-esteem that sports provide. No transgender athlete aims to take opportunities away from others; being transgender is not a choice made to gain an advantage. Often, they find themselves grateful for the mere chance to participate.
After her selection, Harper expressed her gratitude: “I am humbled by the kindness and support from so many New Zealanders.” While gratitude is commendable, the kindness extended to transgender individuals should be a given.
Although the Supreme Court ruled that Title IX protects transgender students, ongoing lawsuits and loopholes threaten to deny trans youth access to education and sports. It is my hope that transgender youth and athletes everywhere see Harper’s journey as evidence that the stage is much more expansive than what small-minded individuals might dictate.
Congratulations and best wishes, Laurel. Regardless of the outcome, you have already made a significant impact for the transgender community.
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In summary, Laurel Harper’s participation in the Tokyo Olympics marks a significant milestone for transgender representation in sports. Her journey reflects resilience and determination, challenging misconceptions about transgender athletes while inspiring future generations.