Trans HS track athlete sparks shocking podium decision after sweeping California finals
A transgender high school track athlete, AB Hernandez, won multiple girls' events at the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section finals, sparking controversy and audience backlash. In response, officials awarded duplicate gold medals to the top female runners-up in those events. The decision and Hernandez's participation have intensified debate over fairness and inclusion in girls' sports.
- ▪AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School, won the girls long jump, high jump, and triple jump at the CIF Southern Section finals.
- ▪Event organizers awarded additional gold medals to biological female athletes who finished second in events won by Hernandez.
- ▪Malia Strange, who finished third in the triple jump, did not appear during the medal ceremony despite expectations she would receive a duplicate gold under a pilot policy.
- ▪Parents and athletes, including critic Reese Hogan, expressed concerns about fairness in girls' sports, with some wearing 'Protect Girls Sports' apparel.
- ▪Hernandez's participation and the medal decision have fueled broader debate over transgender athletes in female competitions.
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Metro Trans HS track athlete sparks shocking podium decision after sweeping California finals By David Thompson and Daniel Farr Published May 16, 2026, 9:30 p.m. ET A transgender high school athlete dominated multiple girls track and field events at a California regional final Saturday, igniting backlash from parents, competitors and activists. Ultimately prompting officials to award duplicate gold medals to female runners-up. Jurupa Valley High School senior, AB Hernandez, captured first place in the girls long jump, high jump and triple jump during the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section finals. 9 Hernandez competing on second week at the CIF Track & Field in Moorpark.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.
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