AB Hernandez Wins 2 State Titles and 3 Medals at California Meet Amid Muted Protests
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · May 31
AB Hernandez Wins 2 State Titles and 3 Medals at California Meet Amid Muted Protests
9 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · May 31
Jurupa Valley senior AB Hernandez captured California state titles in the girls high jump and triple jump Saturday, then added a third-place medal in the long jump.
Hernandez cleared 5 feet, 10 inches to win the high jump outright and jumped 48 feet, 8 3/4 inches in the triple jump, more than an inch ahead of the runner-up.
CIF's policy let Hernandez receive medals without displacing cisgender girls in the standings, producing shared podium spots in all three events she entered.
Clovis saw far less disruption than last year: protests stayed mostly outside the stadium, supporters wore 'We Stand With AB' bracelets, and competition remained the focus inside.
The meet capped two years of scrutiny over Hernandez's participation, with California's transgender-athlete rules still drawing attacks from conservatives and legal pressure from the U.S. Justice Department.
As a landmark court ruling nears, is a final national answer on transgender school sports participation on the horizon?
With federal and state laws at odds, how will schools protect both student rights and crucial federal funding?
Beyond podiums and protests, what new model for 'fair competition' could emerge from this nationwide debate?
AB Hernandez, the Shared-Podium Policy, and the National Debate Over Transgender Inclusion in High School Sports (2025–2026)
Overview
AB Hernandez has become a standout athlete in California high school track and field, especially during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. In May 2026, she advanced to the finals in the long jump, high jump, and triple jump, securing top qualifying marks and repeating as CIF Southern Section champion in all three events. Her achievements mark a clear progression from her 7th place finish in 2025. However, her success has been overshadowed by controversy and public debate surrounding transgender athletes and the shared-podium policy, creating a challenging environment that affects both her enjoyment of the sport and the broader discussion about fairness and inclusion in high school athletics.