At the 2026 CIF state track and field championships in Clovis, California, Jurupa Valley High School's AB Hernandez won the high jump and tied for first in the triple jump, while placing third in the long jump behind a tie for first between Eliie McCuskie-Hay and Gianna Gonzalez. Hernandez shared the third-place podium with Corinne Jones under special CIF rules introduced last year to address transgender participation. The event drew national attention, with protests from 'Save Girls’ Sports' advocates and counter-demonstrations by pro-LGBTQ groups, requiring police presence. While some competitors reportedly avoided Hernandez on the podium, others interacted positively. Hernandez, a transgender athlete, has become a focal point in debates over fairness in girls’ sports, drawing both support and criticism. The athlete’s participation follows heightened political visibility, including a recent campaign appearance with Democratic candidate Tom Steyer.

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