Trans track and field athlete dominates California girls’ high school competitions amid protests

AB Hernandez, a senior from Jurupa Valley, competed in the CIF Southern Section Division 3 preliminaries at Yorba Linda High School. Hernandez competed in the triple jump, long jump, and high jump, where he dramatically outperformed the female competitors.

According to the New York Post, Hernandez recorded a mark of 42 feet and 4 inches in the triple jump, far surpassing the second-place athlete who finished at 39 feet and 7.5 inches. In the long jump, he recorded 20 feet, 4.25 inches, compared to the second-place finish of 19 feet, 1.5 inches.

Hernandez also tied for first place in the high jump with Reese Hogan, an athlete he has already beaten. Hogan previously drew attention after stepping onto the top podium spot following an event won by Hernandez.

As Hernandez competed inside the venue, protesters gathered outside for a “Save Girls' Sports” rally led by former NCAA athlete Sophia Lorey.

"This is insane! Our girls are suffering! They're unsafe. Every time they enter into any competition or any restroom, they are unsafe," said California superintendent candidate Sonja Shaw in a speech at the event.

Hernandez has long been the center of discussion over trans-athletes in California after competing in girls’ volleyball and for prior victories in girls’ track and field events.

The Department of Justice is currently suing California over state policies that allow transgender-identifying biological males to compete in girls’ sports. The Department of Education has also launched investigations into schools and athletic organizations in the state over potential Title IX violations.

“The Trump administration will not tolerate policies that erase women’s rights," said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey.