Aussie Radio Host Slams Decision To Name Transgender Olympian 'Sportswoman Of The Year'

Australian radio presenter Ben Fordham has gone to town on the University of Otago's decision to name transgender athlete Laurel Hubbard 'Sportswoman of the Year', claiming it is "hurting the progress that we're making in women's sport".

New Zealand weightlifter Hubbard made history earlier this year by becoming the first openly trans woman to compete at an Olympic Games.

She failed to impress in Tokyo, bowing out in the early rounds of the competition after not recording a single successful snatch lift.

But while she missed out on a medal at the Games, Hubbard has now received a different prestigious award by being named 'Sportswoman of the Year' by the University of Otago.

News of the decision has left fans divided, with some blasting the university's move - Fordham being one of them.

"They think they're being inclusive, but they're making life harder for women," he said on his 2GB breakfast show.

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"Please, make this stop. When the sportswoman of the year is born a man, political correctness has gone a mile too far.

"If we keep on listening to the woke brigade there won't be a need for women's sport.

"It comes down to biology, men are usually - not always - stronger than women."

2GB

Upon receiving the award, Hubbard said she was "grateful for all of the support and kindness received from the teaching staff and students at Otago University''.

"It is not possible for athletes to complete at the Olympic level without the encouragement and aroha of friends, family and supporters," she told the Otago Daily Times.

"This award belongs to everyone who has been part of my Olympic journey.''

Hubbard's appearance at the recent Tokyo Olympics sparked debate among sports fans across the globe.

A bunch of big-name figures openly spoke out against Hubbard's participation, most notably former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner, while others praised the International Olympic Committee for their inclusion of her.

Topics: olympics, radio, Tokyo Olympics, Laurel Hubbard, transgender athletes, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry