Transgender Athlete Advances in CIF State Track Championships

AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete, secured top spots in two out of three girls’ jumping events during the preliminary round of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state track and field championships. The event took place on Friday, and Hernandez, who has been part of a national debate regarding her participation in girls’ competitions, will compete for state titles in the girls’ long jump, high jump, and triple jump on Saturday evening.

Friday’s competition coincided with a “Save Girls Sports” rally nearby. Steve Hilton, a candidate for California governor, addressed the rally, advocating for the protection of girls’ sports alongside local activists and an Olympic gold medalist. Earlier that day, Hernandez featured in a video with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer.

Hernandez, representing Jurupa Valley High School, excelled in the girls’ long jump with a distance of 20-05.50, surpassing Ellie McCuskey-Hay from St. Ignatius, who recorded 19-11.25. As the sun set over Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Clovis, Hernandez competed in the high jump and triple jump, which did not follow their scheduled times. She advanced to the finals in both events.

Hernandez claimed victory in the triple jump with a leap of 41′ 8.5″, while Zylah Coleman of St. Ignatius took second place with 40′ 3.25″. However, Hernandez finished tied for fourth in the high jump, marking the first instance in this postseason where she did not finish first in any event.

A video featuring Hernandez with Tom Steyer highlighted the day’s events. In the video, Hernandez discusses being “outed” and “doxed.” Steyer expressed support by emphasizing the governor’s role in ensuring safety and expressed pride in Hernandez’s efforts.

A rally preceding Friday’s events featured speakers like former NCAA women’s soccer player Sophia Lorey, Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California state superintendent, and Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Brown. The message underscored the prioritization of male athletes over female athletes in terms of opportunities and recognition.

Steve Hilton criticized Governor Gavin Newsom during the rally, questioning his commitment to fairness and accusing him of inaction due to party pressures. The CIF has introduced a policy where any female athlete finishing behind Hernandez receives a one-rank elevation, causing Hernandez to share podium spots with female athletes in recent state tournaments. This policy will persist during the upcoming state finals.

On Saturday night, Hernandez aims to reclaim top podium spots while sharing the stage with the second-place female finishers in each event. Fox News will continue to cover these developments in sports.