CLOVIS, Calif. — An impressive performance by a transgender athlete garnered widespread attention at the California high school track and field championship on Saturday. The athlete, AB Hernandez, secured gold in both the girls’ high jump and the triple jump, setting the stage for a controversial discussion that has managed to capture national focus.
This participation followed a pioneering rule change by California’s sports governing body, which potentially sets a precedent nationwide. The alteration was made prior to the championship, enabling more girls to compete for accolades in events including those where Hernandez participated. Hernandez clinched the high jump title by clearing a height of 5 feet, 7 inches, unblemished by any failed attempts. Sharing the first-place tie were Jillene Wetteland and Lelani Laruelle, both also successful at that height after one missed attempt each. Together, they celebrated the win on the victory stand.
Adding to the day’s triumphs, Hernandez emerged victorious in the triple jump, tying the top score with competitor Kira Gant Hatcher trailing narrowly by slightly over half a meter. Earlier in the day, Hernandez also secured second place in the long jump. Previous Olympic medalists like Marion Jones and Tara Davis-Woodhall hold state records in the long jump, with this year’s winner, Loren Webster, achieving a leap over 21 feet, slightly outpacing Hernandez.
Ahead of the championships, the California Interscholastic Federation had announced its new policy following Hernandez’s notable successes. This policy adjustment permitted additional competitors to join and earn medals in Hernandez’s events. Beginning Friday, the two-day championship unfolded under scorching temperatures near Fresno, with finals on Saturday seeing heat soaring into triple digits.
Despite this, the event maintained a calm environment amidst calls from critics—including some parents and conservative voices, alongside former President Donald Trump—for Hernandez to be excluded from competing. Dissenters sported pink bracelets and shirts bearing slogans like “Save Girls’ Sports.” What’s more, during Friday’s qualifying rounds, an aircraft flew above the venue for over an hour displaying a banner reading: “No Boys in Girls’ Sports!” Responsibility for the aerial protest was claimed by two groups opposing transgender athletes in women’s sports contexts.
California has found itself at the heart of a broader national debate on the subject. The CIF aimed for balance by revising its regulations surrounding the involvement of transgender girls in youth sports. The organization reaffirmed its commitment towards inclusivity and adherence to state laws in a statement, emphasizing the importance of fostering a community where students may belong, connect, and participate.
A recent opinion poll vividly illustrated public sentiment, revealing that 70 percent of U.S. adults oppose transgender female athletes participating in women’s sports across varying levels. This sentiment found particular strength among Republicans, while Democrats displayed a more divided stance. The federation’s decision came before Trump threatened to revoke federal funding from California unless transgender female athletes were restricted from girls’ teams, with the U.S. Department of Justice later probing potential legal violations by the federation and associated districts.
Under California law, trans students can indeed compete according to their gender identity, yet critics like Sophia Lorey from the California Family Council argue that the new policy adds more confusion than clarity. “Essentially,” Lorey expressed, “it sends a message to girls that what they’re encountering isn’t fair, but we’re permitting it regardless.” Meanwhile, Hernandez conveyed unperturbed resolve to Capital & Main, stating, “I’m still a child, you’re an adult, and for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person.”
In terms of athletic feats, California’s championship stood out due to the significant number of participants, ranking second nationally following Texas. A standout moment came from Jaden Jefferson of De La Salle High School in Concord during the boys’ 100-meter heats, as he completed the race in a brisk 10.01 seconds, surpassing a previous meet record from 2023. However, he narrowly missed an official record time in the finals, finishing at 10.27 seconds. Records were notably set in various events like relay races, hurdles, and the boys’ pole vault.