Trans athlete AB Hernandez shares first-place podium after new rules introducedhttps://www.thepinknews.com/2026/05/18/ab-hernandez-trans-athlete-podium-california/ 🔗Jack Wetherill (18 May 2026)
The trans athlete has been at the centre of controversy and intense backlash due to her participation in girls' categories in the California Interscholastic Federation's (CIF) events. And while her mother has tried to brush off the backlash, making it clear her daughter has "done nothing wrong", this weekend saw more controversy, with some other competitors reportedly ignoring Hernandez.
The 17-year-old placed first in girls' long jump, high jump and triple jump on Saturday (16 May).
As per the CIF's policies, which were introduced in 2025, trans women are eligible to compete in female categories, in line with California's non-discrimination laws.
Then, if a transgender competitor wins a medal or advances to a higher round, so does the second place athlete.
That meant during the podium for the high jump, Hernandez shared the first place podium with second place athlete Gwynneth Mureika, who was also awarded a gold medal.
According to the New York Post, that was the only time Hernandez shared the podium, despite the rules stating that the competitor in second place would be awarded a gold medal finish as well.
The publication reports that some of Hernandez's rivals looked to be icing her out, while others skipped the podium completely.
