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In a significant development in the ongoing debate around transgender athletes in sports, California has made headlines as AB Hernandez, a transgender student athlete from Jurupa Valley High School, won two state titles in the girls’ track and field events. This decision comes shortly after former President Donald Trump issued a warning to the state regarding the participation of male athletes in female sports categories.
Hernandez clinched first place in both the girls’ high jump and triple jump at the CIF State Track and Field Championships held at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Clovis, California. In a remarkable performance, Hernandez also secured the second position in the high jump, with only Loren Webster from Woodrow Wilson High School finishing ahead. Prior to the finals, Hernandez dominated the preliminary rounds, achieving first place in all three events.
Despite the state championship rules allowing for adjustments, female competitors who finished behind Hernandez were effectively elevated in their standings, receiving medals that they would have earned had Hernandez not entered the competition. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) implemented these changes in the lead-up to the championships to ensure fair recognition for female athletes.
During the medal ceremonies, the female athletes who placed just behind Hernandez were required to stand alongside the transgender athlete on the podium, highlighting the complexities of the current sports landscape.
The presence of Hernandez in the girls’ events sparked significant controversy and protests throughout the weekend, with demonstrators expressing diverse opinions on the matter. Pro-LGBTQ activists and those advocating for female sports rights clashed, creating a tense atmosphere at the championships. A plane even flew over the stadium displaying a banner that read, "No Boys in Girls’ Sports!"
The protests escalated to physical confrontations at one point, leading to the arrest of an individual involved in an altercation. Clovis Police confirmed that, aside from this incident, no other criminal activities were reported during the event, emphasizing the importance of allowing free speech while maintaining public safety.
On Saturday, Sophia Lorey, outreach director for the California Family Council, was escorted out of the stadium by CIF officials for distributing "Save Girls’ Sports" wristbands to attendees. Lorey expressed her surprise, noting that she had distributed similar materials at previous events without issue.
The controversy surrounding Hernandez’s participation has drawn national attention, with critics, including former President Trump, calling out California Governor Gavin Newsom for his stance on the issue. Trump threatened to withdraw funding from California if trans athletes were allowed to compete in girls’ sports, but the state proceeded with its rule changes to accommodate all female competitors.
The situation in California reflects a broader national trend, as several states, including Maine, Washington, Oregon, and Minnesota, have also witnessed trans athletes competing in girls’ sports, often leading to similar debates and protests.
As the conversation continues to evolve, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into California’s policies, while the Department of Education has been scrutinizing the state since February.
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Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital, with experience covering major sporting events and interviewing some of the biggest names in sports.
