A transgender high school athlete is at the center of a heated debate after breaking records in several girls’ track and field events, sparking outrage across the country. AB Hernandez, a junior at Jurupa Valley High School in California, recently made headlines after dominating the Ontario Relays, where she shattered the girls’ triple jump record. Hernandez, who was assigned male at birth, competed in the girls’ triple jump and leaped over 40 feet—an impressive distance often compared to the length of an adult whale shark. Her jump exceeded the second-place finisher’s effort by a staggering eight feet, igniting controversy and fueling the ongoing debate about transgender athletes in female sports. But Hernandez didn’t stop at the triple jump. She also won the girls’ high jump with a leap of 4 feet, 10 inches, and took first place in the long jump with an impressive distance of 17 feet, 6 inches. Her victories cemented her reputation as a dominant force in high school track and field, though they have also reignited concerns over fairness and the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls’ competitions.

Hernandez continued her winning streak at the Roosevelt Invitational in early March, where she once again claimed first place in both the triple jump and long jump events. This time, she finished nearly three feet ahead of the runner-up in the triple jump and two feet ahead in the long jump. Despite her achievements, Hernandez remains focused on future goals. After her victory at the Ontario Relays, she expressed her desire to surpass her personal best. “Hopefully, I hit a 41 [footer] this year if it’s possible. Preferably at state so that I can possibly win,” she said in February. “I just keep telling myself you are No. 1—it’s yours to lose.”

While Hernandez’s athletic abilities are undeniable, her continued success has sparked an intense debate about transgender participation in girls’ sports. Many argue that transgender athletes who were assigned male at birth have physical advantages that give them an edge in strength-based events like sprinting and jumping. Critics claim these advantages are unfair to cisgender female athletes who are competing under different biological conditions. Social media has been flooded with reactions to Hernandez’s victories, many of which express frustration and anger. Kaitlynn Wheeler, a former competitive swimmer from the University of Kentucky and a vocal advocate for women’s sports, voiced her outrage on social media. “OUTRAGEOUS. A BOY in CA just crushed the GIRLS’ triple jump record by 8 feet! AB Hernandez, a MALE, also won the long jump and sprint medley relay & is on his way to women’s state championship,” Wheeler tweeted. She added, “After stealing these titles, he had the audacity to say: ‘You are number one.’ This isn’t fairness… It’s theft! We cannot stay silent.”

Other critics echoed similar sentiments. One user posted, “Male high school track star who claims to be ‘transgender’ set the Division 3 Girls’ triple jump meet record in SoCal… How much longer do women and girls have to be insulted this way?” Another remarked on X, “Unreal. AB Hernandez, a trans-identified boy, set the Division 3 Girls’ triple jump meet record at the Ontario Relays… He also won the girls’ long jump and helped his team cinch the sprint medley relay win. He says he’s hoping to win the state championships. I think the odds are in his favor.” Some pointed out that while Hernandez dominated the girls’ events, her 40-foot jump would not have qualified her for the boys’ triple jump category in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), where the standard is 45 feet, 10.5 inches. One social media user sarcastically commented, “Mediocre men killing it in women’s sports. Total loser.”

This controversy extends beyond online discussions. Across the nation, lawmakers are grappling with the issue of transgender participation in girls’ and women’s sports, often framing it as a battle between fairness and inclusion. Just days after Hernandez’s record-breaking performance, a federal bill aimed at banning transgender women and girls from participating in school athletics failed to advance in the U.S. Senate. The legislation sought to define Title IX protections based solely on biological sex at birth, arguing that allowing transgender women to compete in female sports undermines the original intent of Title IX by creating an uneven playing field. However, LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights organizations argue that Title IX should protect the rights of transgender athletes and support their inclusion in school sports. Without federal legislation, the decision now falls to individual states. Some states are moving quickly to adopt bans on transgender athletes in girls’ sports, often in line with directives supported by former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, other states are holding firm in their commitment to inclusion and equality.

As lawmakers and communities continue to debate the issue, AB Hernandez remains focused on her track and field career, with sights set on future victories. Her performance has sparked important conversations about fairness, inclusion, and the future of competitive sports. The debate shows no signs of slowing down as more athletes, families, and officials weigh in on this complex and divisive topic. What do you think about transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports? Do you believe it’s fair for the rights of biological women to take a back seat to transgender inclusion? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.