AB Hernandez Wins State Medal Again

Jurupa Valley senior AB Hernandez achieved a third-place finish in the CIF state championship long jump this past Saturday, earning a medal for the second year in a row. Hernandez, who is transgender, has been the subject of protests and public commentary for the past two years.

Her jump of 20 feet 2 ¼ inches placed her behind Ellie McCuskey-Hay and Gianna Gonzalez, who both jumped 20 feet 3 ½ inches. According to CIF policy, transgender athletes who medal at state championships are recognized with medals but do not displace cisgender girls in the official results. This policy was specifically applied to the long jump, triple jump, and high jump, events in which Hernandez competed.

This year's championship atmosphere was notably calmer than the previous year, which saw demonstrations drawing national attention. While Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton held a news conference criticizing CIF policies for transgender athletes prior to the event, a supportive group, Rainbow Families Action, also held a news conference. Inside the stadium, the focus remained on the competition, with organizers prohibiting signs.

Hernandez, 17, arrived in Clovis after winning all three of her events at the Southern Section championships. She ranked among the nation's top 10 performers in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump entering the state meet.