Transgender track athlete expected to compete in California championships despite national scrutiny ...Middle East

AB Hernandez, a junior at Jurupa Valley High School, is scheduled to compete in the long, triple and high jumps Friday in the CIF State Track & Field Championships in Clovis. Friday's meet is a preliminary round –  those who qualify will compete for state titles in their respective events on Saturday. 

Who is AB Hernandez?

Hernandez's expected appearance at the CIF championships on Friday isn't her first. She competed in the girls' long and triple jump events at the state meet last year, albeit in a much less high-profile capacity.

The openly transgender teen hasn't spoken publicly in recent days but told Capital and Main reporter Cerise Castle that she can only focus on her own actions.

MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA - MAY 24: Transgender athlete AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley watches during the girls long jump at the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet at Moorpark High School on May 24, 2025 in Moorpark, California. / Getty Images

Hernandez placed first at the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet in both the girls' long and triple jump events last week, earning her a spot in Friday's prelims. 

President Donald Trump himself bashed California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state lawmakers earlier this week on Truth Social, saying it was a "totally ridiculous situation."

Trump threatened to pull federal funding from California if Newsom allows Hernandez to compete at the state meet. 

As of Friday, it's not clear if and how Trump would pull funding from California if Hernandez competes as expected in the afternoon.

Planned disruptions?

Local Fresno politicians and leaders gathered Thursday, asking the CIF to step in.

MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA - MAY 24: A woman wearing Save Girls Sport hat records a video of transgender athlete AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley (not pictured) during the girls long jump at the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet at Moorpark High School on May 24, 2025 in Moorpark, California. / Getty Images

Meanwhile, a "Protect Girls Sports" protest was scheduled to start outside of Buchanan High School in Clovis, where the meet is taking place, at 1:30 p.m. It's not yet clear how many will attend or how they plan to demonstrate.

The CIF response

As groups and politicians criticize California for allowing Hernandez to participate in girls' competition, the CIF made a last-second rule change in an attempt to appease both sides of the debate.

The CIF State Track & Field Championships begin Friday afternoon.

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