Transgender Athlete Wins California Girls' Track Events

A transgender athlete named Ab Hernandez has won several first-place awards in girls' track and field events in California. This has led to many people talking about fairness and rules for sports.
By Newsroom | Sports, California |

Controversy Surrounds Athletic Participation Following High School Championships

The recent performance of Ab Hernandez, a transgender athlete, in California high school girls' track and field events has sparked widespread discussion and ignited a national debate. Hernandez secured first place in multiple events, including the girls' triple jump and high jump, at significant competitions like the CIF State championships and the Ontario Relays. These victories have led to varied reactions, from expressions of honor and solidarity to calls for legislative action and potential federal intervention. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports categories designated by sex.

Boy Wins Girls' Triple Jump Title in California – Shocker: Males Jump Farther Than Females - 1

Timeline of Events and Key Competitions

The period from late February to early June 2025 saw a series of track and field events where Ab Hernandez competed in girls' categories.

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Boy Wins Girls' Triple Jump Title in California – Shocker: Males Jump Farther Than Females - 2

  • February 22, 2025: Hernandez competed at the Ontario Relays invitational meet in Southern California. They secured first place in the girls' triple jump with a mark exceeding 40 feet, with the second-place competitor achieving just over 32 feet. Hernandez also reportedly won the girls' long jump and finished seventh in the girls' high jump at this meet.

  • March 2025: This period saw multiple reports detailing Hernandez's performances. Specific mentions include winning the girls' long jump and placing seventh in the girls' high jump at a meet in Ventura County.

  • May 17, 2025: Hernandez participated in the CIF sectional track and field finals.

  • May 24, 2025: Competed in the CIF Masters Meet.

  • May 30-31, 2025: Hernandez competed in the CIF State championships held in Fresno, California.

  • June 1, 2025: Reports confirmed Hernandez won two CIF State girls' track and field championships: the triple jump and the high jump. In the triple jump, the winning distance was recorded as 42 feet, 2 3/4 inches. In the high jump, Hernandez cleared 5 feet, 7 inches, tying for first place by clearing the height on the first attempt, while other top competitors required more attempts.

Performance Metrics and Comparisons

Ab Hernandez's performance metrics in several events have been documented across various reports:

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Boy Wins Girls' Triple Jump Title in California – Shocker: Males Jump Farther Than Females - 3

  • Triple Jump:

  • Ontario Relays: Over 40 feet (approx. 12.2 meters)

  • CIF State Championships: 42 feet, 2 3/4 inches (approx. 12.87 meters)

  • Reports indicate Hernandez won by a margin of approximately 8 feet (2.44 meters) at the Ontario Relays compared to the second-place finisher (32' 03"). At the CIF State Championships, the winning distance was over 2 meters longer than some previous records.

  • High Jump:

  • Ontario Relays: 4 feet, 10 inches (approx. 1.47 meters)

  • CIF State Championships: 5 feet, 7 inches (approx. 1.70 meters)

  • In the CIF State high jump, Hernandez tied for first place.

  • Long Jump:

  • Ontario Relays: 17 feet, 6 inches (approx. 5.33 meters)

  • CIF State Championships: 20 feet, 8 3/4 inches (approx. 6.32 meters), securing second place.

"I urge all female athletes in this position to use their voice." - Reported sentiment from one source regarding athletes in similar situations.

Regulatory and Political Landscape

The athletic achievements of Hernandez have occurred within a complex and evolving regulatory environment, involving state laws, athletic federation rules, and federal political actions.

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Boy Wins Girls' Triple Jump Title in California – Shocker: Males Jump Farther Than Females - 4

  • California Law: California law permits transgender students to compete in sex-segregated sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

  • CIF Rules: The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) governs high school sports. Reports indicate that a federation rule change, intended to find a middle ground in the debate over transgender girls' participation, was decided upon before recent federal actions.

  • Federal Actions and Statements:

  • President Donald Trump has voiced strong opposition to transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports. He has threatened to withhold federal funding and impose "large scale fines" on California if the state continues to allow transgender girls to compete in female categories.

  • A bill in the U.S. Senate aimed at banning transgender women and girls from participating in school athletic competitions designated for female athletes failed to advance. This bill sought to base Title IX protections "solely on a person´s reproductive biology and genetics at birth."

  • Reports also mention an executive order by Trump banning transgender athletes from women's sports, leaving states to decide on implementation.

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"The federation announced the change after Trump threatened to pull federal funding from California unless it bars trans female athletes from competing on girls teams. California law allows trans students to compete on sex-segregated sports teams consistent with their gender identity." - Reported context surrounding the CIF's decision-making process.

Biomechanical Considerations in the Triple Jump

Biomechanical studies offer insights into the physics and mechanics of athletic performance, including the triple jump. While not directly analyzing Hernandez's specific case, general findings shed light on the sport's demands.

  • Velocity Conversion: The triple jump involves converting horizontal velocity into vertical velocity across its three phases: hop, step, and jump.

  • Velocity Ranges: Horizontal velocities during the take-off phases are documented between 8.4 – 8.86 m/s for the approach, 7.58 – 8.22 m/s for the hop, 6.46 – 7.34 m/s for the step, and decreasing velocities through the subsequent phases.

  • Performance Factors: Key variables assessed include the length of each phase, the total jump distance, horizontal and vertical velocities at take-off, changes in horizontal velocity during phases, and the duration of ground contact (support time, braking, propulsion).

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"Horizontal velocity of the 3 take-off phases, the hop, step and jump are between 8.4 – 8.86, 7.58 – 8.22, and 6.46 – 7.34 (m/s), respectively." - Extracted biomechanical data.

Differing Perspectives on Fairness and Inclusion

The situation presents a dichotomy of views concerning fairness, inclusion, and the definition of women's sports.

  • Arguments for Exclusion/Restriction:

  • Proponents of restricting transgender athletes from female categories often cite perceived biological advantages that may affect competitive balance. This viewpoint frequently frames the issue as one of protecting opportunities and fairness for cisgender girls and women.

  • Legislative efforts at both federal and state levels reflect a desire to define sports participation based on biological sex at birth.

  • Arguments for Inclusion:

  • California's legal framework supports the inclusion of transgender students in sports teams aligning with their gender identity.

  • Some athletic federations are working to establish policies that aim to balance inclusion with competitive integrity, though the specifics of these policies are subject to ongoing debate.

  • Statements from athletes like Hernandez, as implied in reports, suggest a focus on personal achievement and the experience of competing. One report notes Hernandez as an "outspoken transgender athlete competing in girls track and field."

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"The federation's rule change reflected efforts to find a middle ground in the debate over trans girls' participation in youth sports." - Reported observation on athletic federation actions.

Summary of Findings and National Implications

The documented performances of Ab Hernandez in California girls' track events underscore a national discussion concerning transgender athletes in sports. Hernandez has achieved top rankings and victories in multiple events, including setting new marks.

  • Performance: Hernandez has consistently achieved first-place finishes and high rankings in events like the triple jump and high jump against cisgender female competitors.

  • Legal Framework: California's state law permits transgender students to compete according to their gender identity, a stance that contrasts with broader federal legislative proposals aimed at restricting such participation.

  • Political Reaction: The performances have drawn significant attention from political figures, including former President Trump, who has threatened federal sanctions against California over the matter.

  • Athletic Federation Role: Athletic federations are navigating these complex issues, attempting to formulate rules that address both inclusion and fairness.

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The situation in California serves as a focal point for broader debates on gender identity, biological differences, and the equitable participation of all athletes in competitive sports. The ongoing legal and political developments, coupled with the athletic achievements, suggest this issue will remain a significant topic of national discourse.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Ab Hernandez?
Ab Hernandez is a transgender athlete who competed in girls' track and field events in California.
Q: What did Ab Hernandez win?
Ab Hernandez won first place in events like the triple jump and high jump at major high school competitions.
Q: Why is this news important?
The wins have started a national talk about whether transgender athletes should compete in sports categories based on their gender identity or sex assigned at birth.
Q: What is California's law on this?
California law allows transgender students to compete in sports teams that match their gender identity.
Q: What are some people saying about this?
Some people believe it is fair for transgender athletes to compete as they identify, while others worry about biological differences and fairness for cisgender girls.