Transgender athlete AB Hernandez advanced in three girls’ jumping events. Hernandez secured the top spot in two during the preliminaries of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state track & field championships on Friday.
Hernandez has been involved in a national debate about competing in girls’ sports since last May. On Saturday evening, Hernandez will vie for the state title in girls’ long jump, high jump, and triple jump.
Friday’s events occurred alongside a “Save Girls Sports” rally. California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, local activists, and an Olympic gold medalist gathered to discuss supporting girls’ sports. Earlier, Hernandez featured in a video with Democrat gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer.
Representing Jurupa Valley High School, Hernandez claimed the top position in the girls’ long jump with a 20-05.50 score, surpassing Ellie McCuskey-Hay of St. Ignatius, who reached 19-11.25 for second place. As the events continued at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Clovis, Hernandez managed both the high jump and triple jump, despite schedule conflicts. Hernandez progressed to the finals in both categories.
In the triple jump, Hernandez led with a 41′ 8.5, while Zylah Coleman of St. Ignatius finished second with 40′ 3.25. However, Hernandez tied for fourth in the high jump — the first non-first finish since the postseason began for Hernandez in these events.
An ongoing controversy surrounds Hernandez’s participation, which Steyer addressed in a video. Hernandez discussed issues of being “outed” and “doxed,” emphasizing the need for safety and support. Steyer agreed, emphasizing the governor’s role in protecting Californians. He expressed pride in Hernandez’s achievements.
The “Save Girls Sports” rally featured speeches by people like former NCAA women’s soccer player Sophia Lorey and California state superintendent candidate Sonja Shaw. Lorey highlighted challenges faced by female athletes, while Shaw called for advocacy. Hilton addressed Gov. Gavin Newsom, critiquing his response to fairness concerns.
The ongoing political discussion has affected the California girls’ track and field postseason for two consecutive years. The CIF’s pilot program awards female athletes finishing behind Hernandez one spot higher, maintaining Hernandez’s shared podium spots in recent state tournaments. This policy continues into the weekend’s state finals.
Hernandez will compete to return to the top of the podium in Saturday night’s finals, accompanied by the second-place female finisher, in long jump, high jump, and triple jump.