Ab Hernandez, a transgender athlete from California, expressed frustration over the competition with biological women and the protests surrounding various high school track events.
Hernandez, who was assigned male at birth, is part of the track and field team at Jurupa Valley High School in Southern California. Recently, they excelled at the California High School athletics championships held on May 31.
In the past few months, they have faced considerable criticism at events, especially since joining the competition among biological females, leading to numerous protests.
“It’s definitely crazy. I see a lot of negative comments, but honestly, I don’t let it bother me,” Hernandez stated.
“I’m just a 16-year-old girl with my own attitude. So, really, do I care? Not really,” they added.
Other student-athletes have noted that the ongoing protests at high school events feel unusual.
“It’s just strange at this point,” Hernandez remarked.
While dozens protested outside the stadium, Hernandez found more support than expected. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I just wanted to compete, and the support was really uplifting,” they noted.
“It really enhanced my experience. I’ll always be grateful for that, as it helped me through the weekend.”
Hernandez participated in the Varsity High Jump Final alongside two biological females, Gilen Wetland and Lelany Laruel, and was allowed to share the podium due to recently enacted California regulations.
The athletes also secured a win in the triple jump, completing a final jump of 42 feet 2 inches, sharing the podium with a competitor who jumped 40 feet 5 inches.
“I did what I set out to do,” Hernandez said. “My performance was everything I aimed for. All the backlash? I did my best, and that’s what matters to me.”
Before this event, the California Inter-Scholastic Federation revised rules, ensuring biological women who may be overshadowed by trans athletes do not lose their opportunities. Essentially, Hernandez’s participation won’t displace female winners.
The new regulations also made way for more biological female athletes to join categories that Hernandez competes in.
This change followed criticism directed at the federal approach to Hernandez’s situation, including remarks from former President Trump, who hinted at withholding funds from California.
“California illegally allows men in women’s sports, under the leadership of radical Democrats,” Trump criticized in a statement.
Trump had previously warned that federal funding could be restricted if California didn’t adhere to an executive order aimed at protecting women’s sports.
He also mentioned plans to enforce regulations on trans athletes participating in women’s track and field, though he didn’t reference Hernandez specifically.
The Trump administration once initiated an investigation in Maine over trans athletes and whether they were in violation of Title IX rules, concerning a significant amount of federal funding.
However, the White House later agreed to withdraw funding amidst lawsuits and negotiations.
Recently, the Department of Justice revealed plans to examine if the Success and Opportunity Act in California, which permits transgender students to partake in women’s sports, breaches Title IX regulations.
