At the California women’s track and field championships on Saturday, transgender athletes participated prominently, while outside the venue, protesters called for a ban on biological males competing against women.
AB Hernandez, a senior from Jurupa Valley, excelled in all three jumping events during the Division 3 heats held at Yorba Linda High School.
Hernandez’s standout moment was in the triple jump where she achieved a distance of 42 feet, 4 inches—significantly ahead of competitors who finished at 39 feet 7.5 inches and 37 feet 8 inches.
In the long jump, Hernandez set a mark of 20 feet, 4.25 inches, comfortably outpacing the second place, which was 19 feet 1.5 inches, with third place at 18 feet 7 inches.
Additionally, she tied for first in the high jump with Reece Hogan, clearing a height of 5 feet, 2 inches.
These performances quickly reignited discussions about fairness in women’s sports, with critics arguing that biological males hold an unfair physical advantage.
Outside the competition, demonstrators gathered for a “Save Girls Sports” rally, organized by former NCAA athlete Sophia Lowry. One protester expressed frustration over California Governor Gavin Newsom’s stance, claiming he has neglected female athletes.
Many attendees felt a sense of déjà vu. A grandparent supporting Moorpark High School noted, “It happened last year, so we thought it would be over by now, but this is California.”
Hernandez’s significant presence in the media has made her a focal point in the national debate surrounding the participation of transgender women in sports. She had previously played women’s volleyball and has faced scrutiny after her victories in women’s track events.
Saturday’s competition also featured Hogan, who had drawn attention for her podium finish at an earlier tournament won by Hernandez, thus illustrating the ongoing conversation about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
This debate extends beyond high school athletics, as the U.S. Department of Justice has taken legal action against California over regulations regarding transgender athletes. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Education is investigating various schools and athletic organizations in California for potential violations of Title IX concerning transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
The investigation spans the California Community College Athletic Association, overseeing a multitude of athletic programs statewide.
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Ritchie asserted, “Women’s sports are for women,” emphasizing the view that policies to the contrary will not be tolerated.
Martina Navratilova, a legendary tennis player, expressed her solidarity with Olympic champions Nancy Hogshead and Kylie Humphries, criticizing California’s handling of the situation. She remarked, “Nancy is right!!! We are just different!!!” and indicated Governor Newsom could quickly reverse the policies in question, saying, “There are no excuses.”
