Female track athletes in California have garnered attention after a boy, who identifies as male, took first place, leading to a controversial podium moment despite guidelines permitting trans athletes to compete in women’s events.
Sixteen-year-old Reese Hogan secured second place in the triple jump at the CIF Southern Section Finals on Saturday. During the winners’ photo session, while she remained in her rightful second position, she later stepped in to occupy the top spot when the first and third place winners left, proclaiming herself the true female champion of the event. Reports indicate this incident has gained considerable attention.
Hogan’s actions have been applauded by female sports advocate Riley Gaines, who reached out on social media to commend Hogan for claiming her rightful victory.
“When the boy dismounted from the podium, she rightfully took her place as a champion, and the crowd cheered loudly,” Gaines commented.
“This is how it should be. Congratulations to Reese Hogan, the true champion!!!”
Nevertheless, Ab Hernandez from Jurupa Valley is officially recognized as the winner of the triple jump, having also secured top honors in the long jump for girls during the same day.
Hogan may have bested all other female competitors and achieved a personal record, but Hernandez surpassed her by over four feet.
Hogan is among several female athletes pushing back against the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports. Earlier in the week, she was spotted wearing a “Girls Sports” shirt, a statement in its own right.
She also mentioned feeling pressure from officials regarding her shirt. “It wasn’t directly stated, but it felt clear that if I hadn’t removed my shirt, something could have happened to me,” Hogan recounted. “That day was just a bit more intense… Their tone was more aggressive, hinting that it could lead to disqualification without explicitly saying so.”
