Transgender Athlete AB Hernandez Competes in CIF State Track Championships Amid Controversy

AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete, achieved significant success in the preliminary round of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state track and field championships. Hernandez placed first in two out of three jumping events and will compete for the state title in girls’ long jump, high jump, and triple jump.

Hernandez has been embroiled in controversy over participation in girls’ competitions since last year. While competing, a nearby rally, ‘Save Girls Sports,’ took place. Steve Hilton, a California gubernatorial candidate, addressed the need to protect girls’ sports alongside activists and an Olympic gold medalist. Hernandez appeared in a video with Democrat gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer, discussing issues of personal safety related to being outed and doxed.

I’ve been outed like, so many times over and over, you know doxed, where I go to school, so I feel like, more safety aspect.

Hernandez, representing Jurupa Valley High School, excelled in the girls’ long jump with a score of 20-05.50, surpassing Ellie McCuskey-Hay’s 19-11.25. In the triple jump, Hernandez won with a mark of 41′ 8.5, while Zylah Coleman took second with 40′ 3.25. However, Hernandez tied for fourth in high jump, marking the first time not achieving first place since the postseason began.

A ‘Save Girls Sports’ rally, organized by former NCAA women’s soccer player Sophia Lorey, preceded the competitions. Hilton and other speakers criticized the policies allowing Hernandez to compete, arguing it undermines female athletes’ opportunities.

The message being sent to female athletes is clear: Your opportunities, records, and hard work come second to males. – Sophia Lorey

Hilton criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for perceived inaction on the issue. This political debate has overshadowed the championship for two consecutive years. The CIF implemented a policy that elevates female athletes finishing behind Hernandez by one spot, continuing through the state finals.

The finals will take place on Saturday night, where Hernandez aims to reclaim top spots in the long jump, high jump, and triple jump.