CLOVIS, Calif. (AP) — The transgender athlete celebrated her first financial win in the women’s high jump at the California High School athletics championship on Saturday, generating both controversy and significant public interest.
Ab Hernandez competed under newly established regulations that may represent the first national guidelines from the high school sports governing body.
Hernandez achieved a height of 5 feet, 7 inches (1.7 meters) in the high jump, with no failed attempts recorded. Co-winners Jillene Wetteland and Lelani Laruelle cleared their heights following earlier unsuccessful tries. The trio shared the top spot on the podium, beaming as they celebrated their victory.
In addition to her high jump success, Hernandez placed second in the girls’ long jump and emerged as a strong contender in the triple jump event.
Notable Olympians Marion Jones and Tara Davis Woodhall set state championship records in the long jump at 22 feet (6.7 meters) in 1993 and 2017, respectively. This year’s champion, Lauren Webster, surpassed 21 feet (6.40 meters), with Hernandez trailing by just a few inches.
The California Interscholastic Federation recently announced a new policy in response to Hernandez’s achievements as she approached the championship. Under this policy, federal guidelines were amended to allow Additional students to compete for medals at the event that Hernandez had qualified for.
The two-day championship kicked off on Friday in sweltering heat at a high school near Fresno, with temperatures soaring during the final day on Saturday.
Despite criticism from various quarters—including parents, conservative activists, and former President Donald Trump, who called for Hernandez’s disqualification—atmosphere remained relatively calm. Some detractors donned pink bracelets and shirts displaying the message “Save Girls’ Sports.”
During the qualifying rounds on Friday, aircraft circled over the stadium for over an hour, while groups opposing the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, including the Independent Council on Women’s Sports, confirmed their presence with banners.
California National Discussion Center
Changes to federal regulations signify attempts to establish a middle ground in discussions about the participation of trans girls in youth sports.
“The CIF values all student-athletes and remains committed to its mission of providing opportunities for students to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law,” the organization stated following the announcement of the new rules.
A recent AP-NORC survey indicates that approximately seven in ten adults in the U.S. believe that transgender female athletes should not compete in girls’ and women’s sports at the high school, collegiate, or professional levels. This sentiment was echoed by about nine out of ten Republicans and nearly half of Democrats.
The announcement of the revised guidelines followed threats from Trump to withdraw federal funding from California, aimed at restricting transgender athletes from competing in women’s events. The federation clarified that the decision to implement these changes had been made prior to the political pressure.
The U.S. Department of Justice has also stated its intent to investigate schools and districts, including high schools, to assess potential violations of federal sex discrimination laws.
California law permits trans students to participate on sports teams that align with their gender identity.
The federal guidelines indicate an expansion of opportunities for “biological women” athletes. However, critics argue that this change could also lead to discrimination against transgender athletes. The federation has not detailed how it will define “biological women” or verify compliance with that definition.
Sophia Raleigh, outreach director for the California Family Council, expressed her concerns at the stadium on Saturday, stating that federal policies won’t effectively resolve the issue and will likely lead to further confusion.
“At the end of the day,” Raleigh said.
Hernandez shared with Capital & Main earlier this month that she prefers to disregard her critics.
“I’m still a child. You’re an adult, and acting like a child just shows who you really are,” she stated.
Another student breaks the record
The California championship distinguishes itself from those in other states due to its substantial number of participants. A survey by the National High School Association found that California had the second largest enrollment in outdoor athletics nationwide for the 2023-2024 school year, following Texas.
A standout moment from the boys’ 100-meter heat featured junior Jayden Jefferson from DeLa Salle High School, who finished in 10.01 seconds—0.19 seconds faster than the record set at the 2023 meet.
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Austin is a regional member of the Associated Press/Report’s American State University News Initiative. American Report is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on critical issues. Follow Austin on X: @sophiedanna
Source: apnews.com