A teenage transgender athlete has won two track events at a California high school meet despite facing intense scrutiny from right-wing pundits and the Trump administration. AB Hernandez, 16, tied for first place in the high jump and triple jump, bringing attention to her participation in sports.
The meet took place after the California Interscholastic Federation changed its rules, requiring that if a transgender athlete wins a girls’ event, the athlete who finishes second will also receive the same medal. This change was made before the Trump administration threatened to withhold federal funding from California unless it bars trans athletes from competing on girls’ teams.
Despite protests and negative publicity, Hernandez expressed joy at the meet, saying sharing the podium with her co-winners was an honor. The athlete’s participation in sports has been a target of national attacks, with the justice department investigating whether the school district violated federal sex-discrimination law.
California’s 2013 state law allows students to compete in the category reflecting their gender identity, and Hernandez’s win marks a victory for trans athletes’ rights. At least 24 states have laws banning transgender women and girls from participating in certain women’s or girls’ sports competitions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/01/teen-trans-athlete-ab-hernandez