Trans Wins Girls Triple Jump By 8 Feet at California Track Meet
At the Ontario Relays invitational meet on February 22, 2025, AB Hernandez, a transgender junior from Jurupa Valley High School in California, made headlines by securing first place in the girls’ triple jump event. Hernandez leaped over 40 feet, surpassing the runner-up by an astonishing eight feet. This victory not only showcased Hernandez’s athletic prowess but also ignited discussions on transgender participation in high school sports.
In addition to the triple jump, Hernandez dominated other events, winning the high jump with a leap of 4 feet, 10 inches, and the long jump with a distance of 17 feet, 6 inches. Just a week later, Hernandez continued this winning streak at the Roosevelt Invitational, finishing nearly three feet ahead of the closest competitor in the triple jump and two feet ahead in the long jump.
“This is so wrong” — AB Hernandez, a boy pretending to be a girl, is dominating California high school girls track and field. — Ladies, take a stand and walk away! pic.twitter.com/RDJCIMRMRQ
— Kristin Sokoloff (@KSOKUNCENSORED) March 2, 2025
Reactions to the Victory and Ongoing Debate
Hernandez’s impressive victories have sparked both praise and criticism. Supporters argue that transgender athletes should have the right to compete in categories aligning with their gender identity, promoting inclusivity in sports. However, critics believe that transgender participation in girls’ sports may create an unfair competitive landscape due to physiological differences.
Social media platforms have been flooded with debates about the fairness of Hernandez’s win, with some calling for policy changes in high school athletics. The discussion reflects broader national conversations on gender identity, equity, and the future of competitive sports.
Another Transgender Athlete Wins Pole Vault State Championship in Maine
The controversy surrounding transgender athletes in high school sports is not isolated to California. In Maine, a transgender athlete from Greely High School won the girls’ pole vault event at the Class B state indoor track and field championship. The athlete cleared 10 feet, 6 inches, surpassing competitors by more than six inches. This victory played a crucial role in Greely High School securing the overall girls’ state championship title by just one point.
Legislative Responses and Policy Implications
Hernandez’s record-breaking performance comes at a time when legislative efforts regarding transgender participation in sports are gaining national attention. A recent bill seeking to ban transgender women and girls from competing in school sports based on biological sex failed in the Senate by a 51-45 vote along party lines.
Meanwhile, in Maine, state policies permitting transgender athletes to compete in categories aligning with their gender identity have drawn scrutiny from the federal government. The Trump administration has launched an investigation into whether Maine’s policies violate Title IX protections. If Maine is found non-compliant, the state could risk losing up to $250 million in federal education funding.
The Future of Transgender Participation in High School Sports
The accomplishments of transgender athletes like AB Hernandez and Maine’s pole vault champion highlight the complexities surrounding inclusivity and fairness in high school sports. Finding a balance between respecting gender identity and maintaining competitive equity remains a challenge for policymakers, educators, and athletic organizations.
As debates continue, many school districts and sports associations are reevaluating their policies to ensure fair competition while fostering an environment of inclusivity. The performances of transgender athletes are likely to remain at the forefront of discussions about the future of competitive sports in the United States.
