Transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard exits Olympics without registering lift

Hubbard made a statement instead of taking questions in the press mixed zone afterwards

Laurel Hubbard bowed out of the Olympics without a lift (Martin Rickett/PA)

Laurel Hubbard made history as the first openly transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games but her eagerly anticipated appearance fell flat as she exited the women’s +87kg weightlifting competition without registering a lift.

Unprecedented media interest had ensured the 43-year-old’s every move would be scrutinised since she was confirmed on the New Zealand team, and it was little surprise that she should take no questions in the press mixed zone afterwards.