Trans Athlete AB Hernandez Wins Gold Amid Controversy at Track Championships

CLOVIS, Calif. — A transgender athlete, AB Hernandez, clinched gold in the girls’ high jump and triple jump Saturday at the California high school track and field championships. This event has sparked national debate and controversy.

Hernandez, a junior from Jurupa Valley High School, achieved a high jump of 5 feet, 7 inches with no failed attempts. She was joined on the podium by co-winners Jillene Wetteland and Lelani Laruelle, who also cleared the same height but with failed attempts.

In the triple jump, Hernandez again topped the competition, tying with Kira Gant Hatcher, who jumped just over half a meter shorter. Earlier, Hernandez placed second in the long jump behind Loren Webster, who achieved a distance of over 21 feet.

This championship coincided with a new policy from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) that permits additional female competitors to join events in which Hernandez participates. This alteration came ahead of the championships in response to Hernandez’s success, aiming to ease tensions surrounding the participation of transgender athletes.

The CIF expressed commitment to student inclusion, stating, “We will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law.”

Despite the rule’s intent, criticism arose from various groups, including conservative activists and even President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold federal funding from California unless it took action against transgender participation in girls’ sports.

During the two-day event, the atmosphere was marked by protests. Critics wore shirts reading “Save Girls’ Sports” and chartered an aircraft to display a banner stating, “No Boys in Girls’ Sports!”

Hernandez remains unfazed by the backlash, stating, “I’m still a child… for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person.” She aims to focus on her competitions rather than the surrounding controversy.

This championship set a significant milestone, being one of the largest high school track events in the nation, showcasing the diversity and talent of student-athletes across California.