TL;DR
- AB Hernandez won gold in high jump and triple jump at California’s championships.
- She faced protests but remained focused on her performance.
- Hernandez is a four-time state champion, celebrated by supporters.
- Critics, including politicians, have targeted her participation.
- Her mother praised her resilience amidst the backlash.
In a stunning display of athletic prowess and sheer determination, 17-year-old AB Hernandez has once again made headlines, this time for her remarkable achievements at the California State Track & Field Championships. The trans teen athlete not only clinched gold medals in both the high jump and triple jump but also secured a bronze in the long jump, all while navigating a storm of protests and criticism from opponents of transgender athletes.
Hernandez, who recently graduated from high school in Jurupa, California, has become a beacon of hope and resilience for many in the LGBTQ community. Her triumph at the Clovis meet marks her second consecutive year winning these events, making her a four-time state champion. “Back to back feels awesome,” Hernandez told the Los Angeles Times. “I couldn’t get the long jump, but that’s okay.” With a high jump of 5 feet, 10 inches and a triple jump of 48 feet, 8 3/4 inches, she proved once again that she is a force to be reckoned with.
However, Hernandez’s victories did not come without controversy. Despite her impressive performance, she shared the podium with cisgender runners-up, a requirement under a CIF policy that has drawn ire from critics, including former President Donald Trump and various right-wing media outlets. Headlines like “Ultimate karma for trans athlete AB Hernandez” and “LGBTQ press conference at track meet involving trans athlete descends into chaos” have flooded the news cycle, but Hernandez remains undeterred.
“I feel like I’m always going to be in the public eye,” she said in a post-meet interview. “It’s never going to go away, and that’s weird. But maybe someday it’ll be for something else.” Her mother, Nereyda Hernandez, stood by her side, emphasizing the importance of support and perseverance. “I’m always going to think about how hard she tried to be here,” Nereyda expressed. “She didn’t quit. Despite all the pressure, you can’t change my kid.”
The political landscape surrounding Hernandez’s achievements has also been charged. Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton publicly condemned the CIF policy, claiming it is out of touch with California families. Meanwhile, billionaire candidate Tom Steyer has voiced his support for Hernandez, stating, “I’m so proud of you for what you’re doing. So proud of you for succeeding. So proud of you for competing.” This sentiment resonated with many who believe in the importance of inclusion in sports.
During the competition, Hernandez blocked out the noise of the protests, focusing solely on her performance. “Track is a very singular sport; it teaches you to rely on yourself,” she said. “Once you’re on the track, you just stay focused on the track.” With a laugh, she dismissed the protesters, saying, “I don’t care.” After her incredible day, Hernandez planned to celebrate at Disneyland, a fitting reward for a champion who has overcome so much.
As Hernandez continues to break barriers and challenge the status quo, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of trans youth in the face of adversity. With each jump, she not only elevates herself but also the hopes of many who look up to her as a role model in the fight for LGBTQ rights.
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