In California, the issue surrounding trans athletes in sports has reached a boiling point, particularly with the upcoming girls’ high school track and field championships. At the center of this storm is AB Hernandez, a high school athlete from Jurupa Valley, who has qualified to compete in the girls’ division. Hernandez achieved notable success last year, finishing first in both the high jump and triple jump, and second in the long jump. As the competition draws near, Hernandez is currently seeded first in the girls’ long jump, raising many questions about fairness in the athletic arena.
Critics are speaking out against this participation, emphasizing that the inclusion of a trans athlete in girls’ events undermines the essence of fair competition. Nancy Hogshead, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, argued the point directly to Fox News Digital, stating, “It is impossible to include a male — however they identify — into girl’s sports and have a fair competition.” Hogshead effectively challenges Governor Newsom’s take on fairness, asserting that the unique biology of females cannot coexist with male participation in their sports without undermining the competition. She highlighted that while society has made strides toward racial and religious equality, sex-based distinctions remain critical for ensuring a level playing field in athletics.
Kaillie Humphries, another Olympic champion, echoed this sentiment by accusing Governor Newsom of allowing a “thinly veiled misogyny” to drive policies that take opportunities away from female athletes. Her appeals reveal a broader frustration among female athletes regarding an environment where their opportunities seem eclipsed by decisions made by political leaders. “Governor Newsom should be focusing on California hosting the Olympics which actually knows the difference between men and women,” she said, challenging the governor to prioritize fairness above all.
Martina Navratilova, a tennis icon who has consistently fought for women’s rights in sports, also weighed in, reiterating the concerns raised by Hogshead and Humphries. Her tweets captured the controversy succinctly, labeling the current situation as a sort of “cheating” permitted by existing rules. “Thanks for nothing @GavinNewsom,” she remarked, extending criticism to a system that allows for such competition under contested terms.
This backlash comes on the heels of an executive order signed by Donald Trump in 2025 designed to protect women’s sports and maintain biological boundaries in competition. Despite this, states like California appear to be leaning towards a more inclusive approach, allowing trans athletes to compete in ways that many argue contravene the spirit of fair competition. The divide over this issue exemplifies a larger national debate on gender identity, fairness, and the future of women’s athletics.
As the championship approaches, the echoes of this discussion will likely resonate beyond the track, shaping the dialogue around not only high school sports but competitive athletics as a whole. The insistence on maintaining the integrity of women’s sports amidst evolving societal norms remains a focal point for many advocates. In the chaos of this debate, the voices of female athletes stand firm, making it clear they won’t be sidelined in conversations that directly affect their hard-earned opportunities.
"*" indicates required fields
