On May 31, 2025, 16-year-old AB Hernandez, a transgender junior at Jurupa Valley High School in Southern California, achieved a stunning athletic feat: she won two titles at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track and Field Championships in Clovis, claiming the girls’ triple jump with a leap of 42 ft 2 in, and tying for first in the girls’ high jump at 5 ft 7 in. She also finished second in the long jump—an impressive display of both skill and versatility.
Rule Changes to Ensure Fairness
Ahead of the state finals, the CIF adjusted its policies to address concerns about equitable competition. The new rules allowed any biological female athletes displaced by Hernandez’s performance to still advance and receive medals, effectively adding extra slots—a move designed to include both trans and cisgender athletes without dropping anyone unfairly. Under this pilot initiative, if a trans athlete qualified, an additional female athlete also moved forward; if a trans athlete placed ahead, a duplicate medal was awarded.
On May 31, Hernandez shared the podium with other girls—Jillene Wetteland and Lelani Laruelle in the high jump, and Kira Grant Hatcher in the triple jump—reflecting CIF’s effort at compromise amidst controversy.
Hernandez: “I did what I wanted to do”
Despite external pressures, Hernandez remained focused on her performance. She later told KCRA that she finds it “weird” people are protesting her participation and laughed off criticism: “I get a lot of hate comments, but I don’t care. I’m a 16‑year‑old girl with a mad attitude”.
Reflecting on race day, she said: “I did what I wanted to do… I performed my best, so that’s all I cared about.”
Inside the stadium, she received strong support: “The support was amazing… they helped me get through the weekend,” Hernandez said.
Family and Community Support
Hernandez’s mother, Nereyda, described her athlete’s journey toward acceptance—including coming out in eighth grade—as one that strengthened their bond. At the meet, she cheered proudly as her daughter competed.
Their community has rallied behind Hernandez: teammates, friends, and locals offered encouragement and joined others at the stadium to show their support, countering protestors gathering outside.
National Backlash: Politics and Protests
AB Hernandez’s wins quickly caught national attention—and controversy. Former President Donald Trump labeled the situation as unfair, threatening to withhold federal funding from California and ordering investigations under Title IX for alleged sex discrimination. His Truth Social post referred to Hernandez’s participation as “demeaning to women and girls,” and his administration initiated federal inquiries.
Some parents and students at Jurupa Valley shared mixed reactions—some voicing support, others concern that inclusion might compromise fairness . Meanwhile, protestors were spotted outside the Stated event venue.
Broader Significance and the Debate on Trans Inclusion
Hernandez’s story is part of a larger national conversation about transgender athletes’ rights, fairness in sports, and public policy. California’s 2013 law and CIF’s policies supporting transgender participation align with the state’s inclusive stance—but they’ve sparked court cases and legislative proposals, both pro and con.
Critics argue that differences in physical development confer an unfair advantage. Advocates counter that policies, such as hormone protocols and eligibility windows, ensure a level playing field. The CIF’s solution—permitting both trans and cis athletes to earn medals—reflects an attempt to balance inclusion with fairness.
National sports bodies and most states differ widely—some require hormone thresholds, others ban trans women from female sports. California’s compromise model now serves as a case study.
What It All Means
AB Hernandez is more than a champion jumper. She symbolizes a generation pushing for authenticity in public life, and her ability to stay composed amid intense scrutiny makes her a role model for many. As she shared on social media: “To every young person watching… let AB be your reminder that authenticity, courage, and resilience shine brighter than hate”.
Meanwhile, policy-makers and educators watch closely. California’s mixed approach—allowing inclusive participation while preserving opportunities for cisgender girls—may influence other states grappling with fairness and trans rights.
AB Hernandez’s journey, from competing in her freshman year to winning state-level titles in her junior season, showcases athleticism, courage, and resilience. Her achievements spurred policy tweaks, court scrutiny, and national debate. Whether seen as groundbreaking progress or controversial precedent, her story is reshaping how high school sports accommodate transgender youth.
At this moment, California leads with a pioneering model: inclusion and fairness, side by side. Critics question the viability of shared podiums; supporters hail the compassion and progress. And AB Hernandez—«a 16‑year‑old girl with a mad attitude»—remains focused on what matters: jumping, competing, and being true to herself.
