Teen’s Record-Breaking Wins Ignite Trans Athlete Debate
Outrage has erupted after AB Hernandez, a transgender girl and junior at Jurupa Valley High School in California, dominated several events at recent high school track meets. At the Ontario Relays, Hernandez shattered the girls’ triple jump record with a leap over 40 feet—eight feet ahead of the runner-up—sparking renewed debate over fairness in girls’ sports.
She also won the high jump and long jump, then repeated her success at the Roosevelt Invitational in March. Despite her growing dominance, Hernandez says she’s aiming even higher: “Hopefully, I hit a 41 [footer] this year… I just keep telling myself you are No. 1.”
Her victories have drawn sharp criticism from those who argue that transgender athletes hold a biological advantage in strength-based sports. Social media erupted, with critics calling the wins unfair and accusing Hernandez of “stealing” titles from girls.
Former NCAA swimmer Kaitlynn Wheeler called the results “outrageous,” adding, “This isn’t fairness… It’s theft.” Others pointed out that Hernandez’s jumps wouldn’t qualify in boys’ divisions, arguing she benefits from competing in the girls’ category.
The controversy mirrors a growing national debate. A federal bill to ban transgender girls from school sports failed in the Senate shortly after Hernandez’s record. With no nationwide rule, individual states are deciding their own policies on transgender athletes, with some pushing for bans and others defending inclusion.
As the political battle continues, Hernandez’s success on the track shows no signs of slowing.