At the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships held at Buchanan High School in Clovis, California, 16-year-old AB Hernandez made headlines by winning multiple medals amidst a storm of controversy. Competing as a transgender athlete, Hernandez secured gold in the girls’ triple jump and high jump, while also earning silver in the long jump.
Hernandez, a junior at Jurupa Valley High School, faced intense pressure leading up to the event. President Donald Trump publicly ordered local officials to prevent her from competing, claiming she had an unfair advantage and threatening to cut federal funding to California if they allowed her to participate. Despite this, Hernandez remained focused and determined, showcasing her athletic skills in extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees.
The atmosphere at the championships was charged. Protesters gathered outside the venue, expressing their opposition to transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports. Some held signs with slogans like “No boys in girls’ sports!” and “Trans Girls Are Boys: CIF Do Better.” Trump’s criticisms and the protests added significant pressure on Hernandez, but she maintained her composure throughout the competition, even waving and smiling at the crowd.
In the triple jump, Hernandez outperformed her competitors but, under new rules implemented by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) in response to the controversy, the runner-up was also awarded a gold medal. In the high jump, she tied with two other athletes, resulting in a shared gold medal for all three.
Hernandez’s mother, Nereyda, expressed immense pride in her daughter’s accomplishments, emphasizing her resilience in the face of adversity. She stated, “Watching you rise above months of being targeted, misunderstood, and judged has left me in awe of your strength.”
While Hernandez celebrated her victories, the debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports continues to intensify nationally. Recent polls indicate that while many Americans support transgender rights, a majority oppose transgender girls participating in youth sports. California has long defended the rights of transgender youth, but other states are moving to restrict these rights.
The CIF’s new policy, which allows cisgender girls who are displaced by transgender competitors to still compete in finals and receive medals, has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue that it does not go far enough, while LGBTQ+ advocates contend it unfairly singles out a young athlete.
As the conversation about transgender participation in sports evolves, Hernandez’s story highlights the ongoing struggle for acceptance and equality in athletics. Her achievements serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting all athletes, regardless of gender identity.