AB Hernandez, a senior from Jurupa Valley, had an impressive showing at the CIF track and field state championships. She not only won the girls high jump and triple jump for the second consecutive year but also placed third in the long jump. Hernandez cleared an incredible height of 5 feet, 10 inches in the high jump, while her triple jump of 48 feet, 8 ¾ inches was over an inch ahead of her closest competitor.
“Back to back feels awesome,” she shared, remaining upbeat about her performance despite missing medals in the long jump.
As a transgender athlete, Hernandez has faced challenges and criticisms. She was the target of protests last year, but this year’s state championships were notably quieter. In her events, CIF rules state that while transgender athletes earn medals, they do not affect the standings for cisgender girls. This meant Hernandez could celebrate her achievements without altering the outcomes for her peers.
In the long jump, Hernandez leaped 20 feet, 2 ¼ inches, landing her in third place behind Ellie McCuskey-Hay and Gianna Gonzalez, who both jumped 20 feet, 3 ½ inches.
The atmosphere around the stadium was different this year, with fewer demonstrations. The only noticeable protest came from Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton who criticized CIF policies on transgender athletes. Despite this, Hernandez remained focused on competition. “Over here, it’s just normal,” she noted, reflecting on her experience amidst the external controversies.
Outside the stadium, supporters from the Rainbow Families Action group rallied in Hernandez’s favor. The mood among the spectators remained positive, with many cheering for her as she prepared for her jumps.
Hernandez’s journey is significant, not just for her victories, but as a symbol of resilience in the face of challenges. As she competes at such a high level, she holds a place among the top 10 performers in the nation for her events. The respect and support she garners, even from notable figures like Tom Steyer, highlight the importance of inclusivity in sports.
In today’s competitive environment, the landscape for transgender athletes continues to evolve, with around 30% of Americans supporting their participation in sports. This context portrays a broader narrative of acceptance and change, making Hernandez’s achievements all the more noteworthy.
You can learn more about transgender athletes’ rights and policies through the Human Rights Campaign and their ongoing advocacy efforts.
