Controversial transgender track and field star AB Hernandez has officially concluded her high school career by adding more medals to her collection. She secured two California Interscholastic Federation state championships, successfully defending her first-place titles in the high jump and the triple jump. Additionally, she earned third place in the long jump.
Career Achievements and Medal Policy
Throughout her high school tenure, Hernandez accumulated seven state medals in the girls' division. This tally includes six duplicate medals, awarded under a CIF policy that ensures a cisgender girl who would otherwise be displaced by Hernandez receives the same medal.
Triple Jump Co-Championship
Hernandez was named co-state champion in the triple jump alongside cisgender competitor Daniela Hughes. Hernandez recorded a distance of 42 feet, 8.75 inches, while Hughes jumped 41 feet, 1 inch. Standing atop the podium, Hughes, who is committed to the University of California, placed her arm around Hernandez as they posed for photographs.
High Jump Victory
In the high jump, Hernandez cleared a height of 5 feet, 10 inches to defeat Lelani Laruelle. As the two stood together in first place, they displayed their first-place medals. Laruelle commented, "I mean, it was fun, I'm neutral. I feel like there's no other way to do it. She's been a real good competitor."
Long Jump Third Place
Hernandez shared third place in the long jump, with her best attempt reaching 20 feet, 2.25 inches.
Reflections and Future Plans
After her high school career ended, Hernandez told the San Francisco Chronicle, "I'm not gonna celebrate too hard. I have grad night tomorrow." Speaking of her fellow competitors, she added, "We've competed against each other for like years. I feel like all of the Southern Section girls, we're all super close and then we just included all the other sections. We're like super close."
Background and Controversy
Hernandez competed in girls' athletics long before she was publicly outed as a transgender girl. Her outing occurred in 2025 when a physical education teacher doxxed Hernandez in a series of Instagram posts. She has been at the center of the national debate over the inclusion of transgender people in sports, particularly because she transitioned from male to female.
Last year, President Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from California if the CIF allowed Hernandez to compete in the girls' division. With the NCAA banning transgender athletes from competing, Hernandez has not yet made a decision on her college plans, telling the Chronicle, "Hopefully (my decision) comes to a conclusion soon."
