Trans HS track athlete sparks shocking podium decision after sweeping California finals
A transgender high school athlete dominated multiple girls track and field events at a California regional final Saturday, igniting backlash from parents, competitors and activists.Ultimately prompting officials to award duplicate gold medals to female runners-up.Jurupa Valley High School senior, AB Hernandez, captured first place in the girls long jump, high jump and triple jump during the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section finals.Some of Hernandez’s female rivals appeared to ice her out during the medal ceremonies, with one competitor skipping the podium altogether and others keeping their distance amid the escalating controversy.The meet drew roughly 2,000 spectators, many of whom voiced outrage over Hernandez competing in the girls division.In an apparent response to mounting criticism, event organizers awarded extra gold medals in events won by Hernandez, giving first-place honors to the biological female athletes who finished directly behind the transgender competitor.Hernandez posted a winning long jump mark of 20 feet, 4.75 inches (6.21 meters), comfortably ahead of Moorpark High School athlete Gianna Gonzalez, who jumped just over 19 feet (5.79 meters).During the high jump medal ceremony, Hernandez stood atop the podium alongside Oak Park High School’s Gwynneth Mureika, who was also handed a gold medal despite finishing second.
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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story This was the only time on Saturday that Hernandez stood next to a female athlete on the podium.Hernandez cleared 5 feet, 8 inches (1.72 meters), while Mureika reached 5 feet, 6 inches (1.67 meters).Crean Lutheran High School standout Reese Hogan, a vocal critic of transgender athletes competing in girls sports, finished third in the high jump.Observers noted visib...