Jurupa Valley's AB Hernandez Shines with State Track Medal Amid Protests

AB Hernandez, a senior from Jurupa Valley and a transgender athlete, achieved a remarkable feat by securing third place in the CIF state championship long jump on Saturday, earning a medal for the second consecutive year. Hernandez recorded a jump of 20 feet 2 ¼ inches, finishing just behind first-place Ellie McCuskey-Hay of St. Ignatius and Gianna Gonzalez of Moorpark, both of whom jumped 20 feet 3 ½ inches.

Throughout her athletic journey, Hernandez has faced significant challenges, including harassment from anti-trans activists and conservative commentators. The CIF regulations stipulate that transgender athletes who place in state championships receive medals without affecting the standings of cisgender girls. This policy specifically applies to events such as the long jump, triple jump, and high jump, all of which Hernandez competed in during the weekend.

Hernandez secured her spot in the finals during her initial long jump attempt on Friday, achieving a mark that ensured her advancement and allowing her to forgo her remaining attempts. The atmosphere at the state championships this year was notably more subdued compared to the previous year, when protests surrounding Hernandez's participation garnered national headlines.

On Friday, Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton held a news conference outside Veterans Memorial Stadium, decrying the CIF's policies in front of signs advocating for "Girls' Sports Girls Only." Conversely, supporters of Hernandez, represented by the Rainbow Families Action group, gathered outside the venue, demonstrating their backing for the athlete. Although some counter-protesters appeared, the event remained largely focused on the competition inside the stadium.

Democrat Tom Steyer also showed his support for Hernandez, releasing a video on X that featured a past conversation with her, where he voiced his endorsement of her participation in high school sports. The talented 17-year-old had already claimed victory in all three of her events at the Southern Section championships prior to her state meet, where she ranked among the top performers nationally.