A quiet protest at a high school track meet in California is making big waves — not just on social media, but across the country.
At the CIF Southern Section Finals, high school athlete Reese Hogan of Crean Lutheran High School made headlines after stepping onto the first-place podium — even though she technically finished second in the girls’ triple jump.
The top spot had been claimed by AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School. Hernandez, who was assigned male at birth but now competes as female, had already exited the podium area when Hogan took the top position alone, a moment that was quickly captured on video and went viral online.
A Silent Statement Sparks a Loud Debate
Hogan’s action reignited the ongoing national debate around transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.
Supporters of transgender inclusion argue it’s a matter of fairness, identity, and civil rights. But critics claim it threatens the integrity of women’s sports, pointing to physical differences they believe give transgender girls an advantage — especially in events requiring strength and speed.
Hernandez won the triple jump with an impressive 41 feet, 4 inches, more than four feet ahead of Hogan. She also won the long jump and placed in the top ten for the high jump, earning a spot at the upcoming CIF Masters Meet.
Online Reactions: Applause and Outrage
Online, the video triggered a wave of reactions — both supportive and critical. Some hailed Hogan as a symbol of resistance, calling her the “real champion.” Others condemned the move as disrespectful, emphasizing that Hernandez had followed the rules and earned her win.
Commenters on both sides didn’t hold back:
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“Second place is the real first place,” wrote one user.
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“She followed all the rules. Don’t like it? Change the rules, not the athlete,” countered another.
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One post read: “Trans girls are girls. Hernandez won fair and square.”
Even former Olympic athletes, advocacy groups, and political figures weighed in — adding fuel to an already heated national conversation.
Bigger Picture: Policy, Politics, and Personal Pain
This isn’t the first time transgender athletes have made headlines, and it certainly won’t be the last. Earlier this year, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender women from participating in female sports at the federal level. He called it a move to “protect women’s sports” — a stance that sparked cheers in some states and backlash in others.
Meanwhile, high-profile incidents like a 2022 volleyball injury in North Carolina — involving a cisgender girl injured during play against a transgender athlete — continue to shape the narrative and push legislation in multiple states.
Yet not everyone agrees on the path forward. Over 400 Olympic athletes signed a letter urging sports leagues to resist blanket bans and maintain inclusive policies. “Sports should be for all,” the letter read.
Hernandez Responds
In a recent interview, Hernandez spoke about the pressure, the backlash, and the intense scrutiny she’s faced — both online and in person.
“I’m still a kid,” she said. “For adults to treat me like this says more about them than it does about me.”
She pointed out that she hasn’t always won — and isn’t unbeatable. “People say I win because I’m trans. But I’ve had events where I didn’t even place. That doesn’t seem to matter to them.”
Some studies cited by advocacy groups suggest that transgender women do not consistently outperform cisgender athletes and often face disadvantages due to hormone therapy and other factors. But opinions remain sharply divided, and the science is still evolving.
What’s Next?
For now, Hernandez will compete at the CIF Masters Meet, while Hogan’s quiet protest continues to make noise.
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, one thing is clear: this story is about more than medals. It’s about identity, fairness, and the future of youth sports in a world still figuring out how to balance both.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.