Trans athlete in political storm earns, and shares, first place in event

AB Hernandez, center, stood on the podium during the medal ceremony for the high jump at the California state track and field meet in Clovis. – Adam Perez / The New York Times

CLOVIS, Calif. — The California athlete at the center of a searing political debate over transgender girls competing in girls’ sports went home a winner Saturday in what is arguably the most competitive state track and field meet in the nation.

AB Hernandez, a junior from Jurupa Valley High School in Riverside County, shared first place in the high jump and triple jump, and also shared second in the long jump. Her spot on the awards podium was a sign of how complicated her participation in the competition had become.

With President Donald Trump threatening to cut federal funding to the state if the trans girl com