AB Hernandez, a 16-year-old transgender athlete in California, tied for first place in two track events at a weekend meet, despite facing protests and political attacks from rightwing pundits and the Trump administration.
Hernandez tied for first in the high jump, clearing 5ft 7in with no failed attempts, alongside two other athletes who each logged a failed attempt. She also shared first place in the triple jump. Earlier, she placed second in the long jump.
The meet took place after the California Interscholastic Federation changed its rules to allow athletes finishing just behind a transgender winner to also receive the same place and medal. This came after the Trump administration threatened to withhold federal funding from California over its policy allowing trans athletes to compete in girls' sports.
Despite protests at the event, another high school athlete praised Hernandez, saying, 'Sharing the podium was nothing but an honour. … She’s a superstar.' The US justice department said it would investigate whether the federation and school district violated federal sex-discrimination law.
Hernandez's participation is permitted under a 2013 California state law allowing students to compete in the category reflecting their gender identity. At least 24 US states have laws banning transgender women and girls from certain women's or girls' sports.
