A moment of quiet defiance at a Southern California high school track event is making waves across the country, once again fueling the contentious national conversation around transgender athletes in women’s sports.
At the CIF Southern Section Finals, held on May 18, Reese Hogan, a student at Crean Lutheran High School, made headlines not for winning an event—but for taking a stand. Hogan, who placed second in the triple jump, later stood on the vacant first-place podium after the official ceremony. The top spot had been left empty after AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School and the event’s winner, exited.
Hogan’s gesture, captured in viral video clips, quickly spread online. Many interpreted it as a powerful symbol of frustration with what they see as a growing imbalance in women’s sports.
Competing Realities
Hernandez, who was assigned male at birth and now competes as female, delivered a dominant performance, clearing 41 feet, 4 inches in the triple jump—more than four feet beyond Hogan’s mark. Hernandez also claimed first place in the long jump and seventh in the high jump, securing a spot at the upcoming CIF Masters Meet.
The reactions were swift and polarized. Critics argued that biological advantages undermined the integrity of the competition, while supporters pointed out that Hernandez followed all the official rules and earned her win fairly.
“This is what happens when we confuse fairness with inclusion,” one commentator posted. Others praised Hogan for her silent statement, with many online calling her “the true champion.”
A sign spotted at the meet read bluntly: “The weakest men compete with girls, the weakest minds celebrate it.”
Broader Battlelines
The moment in California isn’t isolated—it’s part of a much larger battle playing out across the country. Former President Donald Trump, in a February executive order, banned transgender athletes from competing in female divisions at sporting events under federal oversight. He declared, “The war on women’s sports is over,” and pledged to protect fairness in female athletics during future events, including the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics.
Not all states have followed suit. Maine, for example, has opted not to restrict participation by transgender athletes. Meanwhile, incidents like the one in California are adding fuel to an already heated national debate.
A History of Controversy
The conversation surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports has only intensified over the years. One of the most cited examples involves North Carolina volleyball player Payton McNabb, who suffered a severe injury during a match against a transgender opponent in 2022. That incident helped prompt a state-wide ban on transgender athletes in female sports across all educational levels.
Still, not everyone agrees with such measures. More than 400 current and former Olympians recently signed a letter opposing restrictions on transgender participation, arguing that sports should remain open and inclusive for all.
Hernandez Responds
In an interview with Capital & Main, Hernandez addressed the backlash, pointing to the ups and downs of her season as proof that being transgender doesn’t guarantee victory. “I’m still a child,” she said, responding to critics. “For you to act like a child shows how you are as a person.”
She emphasized that there have been moments when she didn’t make the podium at all, challenging the idea that her identity automatically gives her an edge.
Research cited by Capital & Main also suggests that transgender athletes don’t consistently outperform cisgender competitors, and in some areas, face notable disadvantages.
A Divided Future
For now, the issue continues to divide athletes, lawmakers, parents, and fans alike. As states push forward with differing policies, the rules of competition remain in flux—and the debate around inclusion, fairness, and identity continues to evolve.
And thanks to a teenager’s silent act of resistance in Southern California, that debate just found a new flashpoint.
