California Trans Athlete Wins Girls' Track and Field Competition

AB Hernandez sets record in girls' triple jump at 2026 VS Athletics California Winter Championships

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A high school transgender-identifying athlete, AB Hernandez, won the girls' triple jump event at the 2026 VS Athletics California Winter Championships, setting a new record. Hernandez, who has identified as transgender since 8th grade, has been on a winning streak since 2025 and faced protests from local residents over participating in women's-only events.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing debate around transgender athletes competing in women's sports, with some arguing it gives them an unfair advantage while others say it's about inclusion. California has defied a federal ban on transgender athletes in women's sports, leading to continued controversy.

The details

AB Hernandez, a student at Jurupa Valley High School, won the girls' triple jump event at the 2026 VS Athletics California Winter Championships with a record-setting jump of 39 feet and 10 inches. Malia Strange came in second place with a jump of 39 feet and 3 1/4 inches, and Danica Whites came in third with 37 feet and 11 1/2 inches. Hernandez has been on a winning streak since 2025 when they recorded a jump of more than 40 feet at the Ontario Relays Invitational.

  • The 2026 VS Athletics California Winter Championships took place over the weekend.
  • Hernandez has identified as transgender since 8th grade.
  • Hernandez has been on a winning streak since 2025.

The players

AB Hernandez

A high school transgender-identifying athlete who won the girls' triple jump event at the 2026 VS Athletics California Winter Championships.

Malia Strange

The runner-up in the girls' triple jump event at the 2026 VS Athletics California Winter Championships.

Danica Whites

The third-place finisher in the girls' triple jump event at the 2026 VS Athletics California Winter Championships.

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What they’re saying

“They really made my experience perfect, and I'll be forever grateful to them. There are people out there who don't have that kind of support, so I'm very grateful.”

— AB Hernandez (New York Post)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around transgender athletes competing in women's sports, with concerns about fairness and inclusion. California's stance of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's events despite a federal ban has led to continued controversy in the state.