Who is AB Hernandez? Trans athlete wins 2 girls' events under new California rule at state finals

AB Hernandez, a transgender high school athlete, has been making waves on social media after winning two events, including the high jump and triple jump at the California state track and field championships, as per KCRA.

Hernandez is 16 years old and from Jurupa Valley, California, and her recent participation under the new rule change by a high school sports governing body has caused a nationwide controversy.

As per the new rule by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), if a transgender athlete earns a top position, the next highest-ranking cisgender athlete can also share the placement and receive a medal, as per The Guardian.

More about the trans athlete, AB Hernandez

AB Hernandez competed at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track and Field Championships, which took place on May 30-31, 2025, and she won the girls' high jump and triple jump events and secured second place in the long jump.

Her victory and securing the first spot on the podium have garnered massive attention and discussions about trans athletes in sports. Hernandez won first place in the high jump, where she cleared 5 feet, 7 inches (1.70 meters) without any failed attempts. She shared first place with two other athletes, Jillene Wetteland and Lelani Laruelle.

She also won first place in the triple jump, where she cleared 42 feet, 2.75 inches (12.87 meters), and received a gold medal, and second place in the long jump, taking home a silver medal. In the long jump, she finished behind the winner, Loren Webster.

AB Hernandez's outstanding performance and victory sparked controversy; however, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) responded to the controversy by implementing the new rule. After announcing the rule change, this is what the group said in a statement, as per NBC News:

''The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law.''

The policy or the new rule was applied during the championship, which led to the sharing of the podium. The event included parents, conservative groups, and President Donald Trump. Some of the critics wore pink bracelets and shirts that said 'Save Girls' Sports' to show their disagreement with Hernandez competing in girls' events.

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During the qualifying events on Friday, May 30, a plane flew over the stadium for more than an hour with the banner that said, 'No Boys in Girls’ Sports!' The Independent Council on Women’s Sports and Women Are Real were the two groups that took credit for flying the banner during the event, as per ESPN.

AB Hernandez is a Latino who comes from a working-class community and has been raised in the Jurupa Valley. Despite the criticism and controversies, her mother, Nereyda Hernandez, has been supportive of her throughout the journey.

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