Transgender Athlete AB Hernandez Responds Humorously to Criticism After State Championship Wins

Transgender Athlete AB Hernandez Responds Humorously to Criticism After State Championship Wins

In a remarkable feat, transgender athlete AB Hernandez captured two first-place medals at the California state championships earlier this month. On Saturday, Hernandez addressed the criticism surrounding this achievement with a light-hearted response.

The 16-year-old from Jurupa Valley High School has found herself at the center of a heated debate regarding the participation of transgender athletes in high school sports. This situation has sparked strong reactions, including condemnation from influential figures such as former President Donald Trump, and has led to legal battles between the U.S. Justice Department and the state of California.

The California Interscholastic Federation recently made amendments to its rules, allowing biological females to receive medals if they feel their standings have been affected by the participation of transgender athletes. This move highlights the growing tensions in the sports community regarding inclusion and fairness.

Despite the controversy, Hernandez laughed off negative comments during an interview with KCRA-TV. She stated, “It’s definitely crazy. I get a lot of hate comments, but I don’t care. I’m a 16-year-old girl with a mad attitude – you think I’m gonna care?”

Prior to publicly identifying as transgender, Hernandez attempted to stay out of the spotlight. In the girls’ triple jump final of 2024, she placed third, and by 2025, she won the event as a junior. This year, she also celebrated victory in the high jump.

Hernandez referred to the protests that emerged in response to her victories as “weird.” However, she remains steadfast in her determination to compete, vowing not to back down, despite the backlash. She emphasized, “I did what I wanted to do. I PR’d in everything, so that’s what I was really aiming to do. All of this backlash, I’m just like, I performed my best and that’s all I cared about.”

The future of rules governing transgender athletes in California remains uncertain for the upcoming season, as officials contemplate new guidelines.

In response to the ongoing debate, Trump signed the “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order in February. This order prohibits schools from allowing biological males to compete in girls’ and women’s sports. California is among five states that witnessed transgender athletes winning championship medals during the 2024-25 high school sports season.

Hernandez’s story reflects the broader complexities surrounding gender identity and athletics in contemporary society. As discussions regarding equitable competition continue, her humor and commitment to her sport resonate with many, illustrating the personal stakes behind the public debate.

In navigating these challenges, Hernandez has gained both supporters and detractors. Nevertheless, she continues to focus on her performance and personal growth, maintaining a positive outlook despite external pressures.

This case exemplifies the ongoing tensions in sports as they adapt to evolving views on gender identity and inclusion. The debate over fairness and representation in sports is far from over, and many are watching closely as further developments unfold.

As we look to the future, the resolution of this issue may serve as a crucial touchpoint for how sports organizations nationwide approach similar challenges. Hernandez’s experiences highlight the need for discussions that emphasize both understanding and respect in the face of diverging opinions.

The journey of AB Hernandez comes at a pivotal moment in sports history, where the intersection of gender, identity, and competition continues to provoke discussion. The lessons learned from her experiences will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of athletics.