Council to look at Games transgender eligibility

THE Pacific Games Council will be looking into the eligibility of transgender athletes when they meet to review the report of the 16th Games that ended in Samoa on Saturday.
New Zealand transgender athlete Laurel Hubbard created an uproar during the Games when she competed and won two gold medals in weightlifting. The wins stirred debate over eligibility.
Games Council president Vidhya Lakhan, at the closing ceremony, said the transgender issue would be reviewed as part of the normal follow up at the end of every Games.
‘There will be consultations as wide as possible to include international input and all others related to the sport,” Lakhan said.
Hubbard was widely reported to be trying to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
The Pacific Games is recognised as a qualifying tournament as well prompting the New Zealander to compete in Apia.
Home supporters were enraged by what they argue was unfair competition of a man against women.
Samoa’s flag-bearer Feagaiga Stowers was placed second behind her New Zealand rival in the tournament. Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi also voiced his concerns and the need for the issue to be addressed properly.
– newslinesamoa