Kiwi transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard has made history, claiming two silver medals in her first event at this year’s world championships after a close battle with American rival, Sarah Robles.

Her silver medal in the snatch category of the +90kg class is New Zealand's first ever medal at the competition.

Hubbard came out with a statement in her first lift, taking first place from Robles as she broke the 120kg barrier.

Robles responded with a 122kg lift in the second round, but Hubbard outdid her with a 124kg lift moments later.

That forced Robles to challenge Hubbard for the gold in the third and final round – the American opting to one-up Hubbard with a 126kg lift which she succeeded in to retake the lead.

Hubbard came back to the Anaheim stage with a chance for gold if she could complete a 127kg lift, but was unsuccessful.

Mexico’s Tania Mascorro Osuna came third with a top lift of 119kg.

Hubbard then went on to claim fourth place in the clean and jerk with a 151kg effort, but her combined total of 275kg was enough to give her a second silver medal overall.