History will be made on Friday.
A Canadian footballer is set to become the first openly transgender athlete to win a medal at the Olympics.
Canada is due to face Sweden in the women’s football final on Friday, meaning Quinn, who only goes by one name, is guaranteed either a silver or gold medal. This will make the 25-year-old the first trans athlete to win a medal in Olympic history.
Quinn, who plays in the midfield, was technically the first openly trans athlete to compete at the Olympics when they took part in the Canadian football team’s opening match against Japan on July 21, almost a fortnight before Laurel Hubbard competed in the super heavyweight weightlifting.
Following the game, they posted on Instagram saying: “First openly trans Olympian to compete. I don’t know how to feel.
“I feel proud seeing ‘Quinn’ up on the lineup and on my accreditation.
“I feel sad knowing there were Olympians before me unable to live their truth because of the world. I feel optimistic for change. Change in legislature. Changes in rules, structures, and mindsets.
“Mostly, I feel aware of the realities. Trans girls being banned from sports.
“Trans women facing discrimination and bias while trying to pursue their Olympic dreams. The fight isn’t close to over… and I’ll celebrate when we’re all here.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRoPrQvs4Ev/
Quinn did compete at the Rio Olympics in 2016 for Canada, but only came out as transgender last year.
New Zealand’s Hubbard and American BMX cyclist Chelsea Wolfe are the other two openly trans athletes that have competed in Tokyo this summer. Hubbard made history as the first athlete to compete in a gender category different to the one they were assigned at birth.
Her Olympic hopes came to an in the early stages of the women’s 87kg category.
Related links:
First trans Olympian Laurel Hubbard given ovation after first-round knock out
Transgender women allowed to play women’s rugby in France as of next season
IOC rules for transgender athletes in Olympics to be changed after Tokyo, officials say
