Laurel Hubbard

Hubbard's three failed attempts in the snatch -- one at 120kg and two at 125kg -- saw her exit the competition at Tokyo's International Forum. After her final attempt, she waved to crowd and bowed before making her way off the stage.

China's world record holder Li Wenwen set three Olympic records as she won the gold medal, first lifting 140kg in the snatch, then 180kg in the clean and jerk to finish on a total of 320kg.

A close battle for silver went the way of Great Britain's Emily Campbell with a score of 283kg. USA's Sarah Robles won bronze with 282kg.

The issue has been ignited by Kiwi transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard winning three medals at the latest Pacific Games, which finished at the weekend.

Hubbard won two gold medals and one silver in the women's 87kg and over category at the games. She has been cleared to compete under International Olympic Committee guidelines.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi made it clear he didn't support trans athletes competing in women's sport.

Hubbard badly hurt her elbow during her attempt to lift 132kg in the women's +90kg final on the Gold Coast and had to withdraw from the competition.

Hubbard, who is transgender, had attracted some controversy for her inclusion in the event.

Today she said she had seen medical staff and her arm was "busted".

"It could be career-ending."

Of her decision to lift the heavier weight she said: "You can't just phone it in."

Coach Simon Kent said Hubbard had completely ruptured a ligament.

Since Hubbard became eligible to compete in international events at the start of last year, she has polarised views in the weightlifting community, particularly in the Pacific.

Head coach of the Samoan team Jerry Wallwork remains firmly opposed to Hubbard competing at the Games.

"A man is a man and a woman is a woman and I know a lot of changes have gone through, but in the past Laurel Hubbard used to be a male champion weightlifter," he said.

Secretary-general of the Oceania Weightlifting Institute Paul Coffa takes a much more conciliatory line.

New Zealand lifter Laurel Hubbard won the over 90kg divison at the Australian International event in Melbourne earlier this month.

The 39 year old lifted a combined total of 268kg, 19kg better than silver medallist Iuniarra Sipaia of Samoa.

The President of the Samoa Weightlifing Federation, Jerry Wallwork, said the move will discourage women from participating in the sport.

Competing in the female 90kg+ division at the Australian International event in Melbourne, Hubbard lifted a combined 268kg to defeat Iuniarra Sipaia of Samoa by 19kg.

Hubbard, 39, who was formerly known as Gavin, is the first transgender sportsperson to represent New Zealand.

She was cleared by the International Olympic Committee and International Weightlifting Federation to compete against other female lifters.

As a male previously she had been a top competitor and administrator in the sport here.