After finishing second to a transgender competitor, a California high school athlete stepped onto the first-place podium in silent protest—sparking renewed discussion around fairness and inclusion in girls’ sports.
Podium Protest by California High School Athlete Reignites Debate Over Trans Inclusion in Women’s Sports
A high school track meet in California has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports.
During the CIF Southern Section Finals, Reese Hogan of Crean Lutheran High School finished second in the girls’ triple jump. The event’s winner, AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete, reportedly left the awards ceremony before the podium presentation. In a silent act of protest, Hogan stepped onto the first-place podium, despite officially placing second.
The moment—captured on video and widely shared online—has sparked intense discussion on both sides of the issue.
Competing Perspectives: Fairness vs. Inclusion
Hernandez, who was assigned male at birth and now competes as female, won the event by over four feet. While she competed in accordance with current CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) policies, critics argue that transgender women may retain physiological advantages over cisgender women, raising concerns about fairness.
Supporters of trans athletes emphasize the importance of inclusion and following gender identity guidelines set by athletic governing bodies. Hernandez responded to the controversy, saying:
“It’s ridiculous. I’ve followed every rule. I just want to compete like everyone else.”
Studies on the performance gap between transgender and cisgender athletes are mixed, with some showing residual advantages and others citing hormone therapy as a mitigating factor. No consensus has yet been reached in the scientific or athletic communities.
A Polarizing Reaction Online
Social media users and commentators were quick to weigh in:
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Supporters of Hogan called her protest a “brave stand” for fairness in women’s sports.
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Others criticized the act, calling it disrespectful and harmful to transgender athletes who are competing under existing rules.
Some users and advocacy groups suggested the creation of separate competitive categories for transgender athletes as a potential compromise—an idea that has gained both support and backlash.
Political and Legal Implications
This incident comes amid growing legislative action across the U.S. on this issue. Over 20 states have proposed or enacted bans on transgender girls competing in women’s sports, citing protection of Title IX rights for female athletes.
During his presidency, Donald Trump signed an executive order to restrict trans participation in women’s divisions—a move celebrated by some as defending women’s sports and criticized by others as discriminatory.
What’s Next?
The debate shows no signs of slowing down. The CIF has not issued a statement about the podium incident, and Hogan has yet to speak publicly.
For now, her silent protest adds another chapter to an ongoing national conversation—one that continues to challenge athletic institutions, legal frameworks, and social norms surrounding inclusion, competition, and identity in modern sports.
