A moment of silent protest at a California high school track meet has reignited a national debate over transgender participation in women’s sports—an issue that continues to divide public opinion and shape legislation across the country.

During the CIF Southern Section Finals on May 18, Crean Lutheran High School athlete Reese Hogan made headlines when she stepped onto the first-place podium—despite officially placing second in the triple jump. Her move came after the event’s winner, AB Hernandez, a transgender girl from Jurupa Valley High School, had left the stage.

Symbol of protest

Hernandez, who was assigned male at birth and now competes as female, won the triple jump with a mark of 41 feet, 4 inches—more than four feet ahead of Hogan. She also took first in the long jump and placed seventh in the high jump, earning a spot in the upcoming CIF Masters Meet.

After Hernandez exited the podium, Hogan stood in her place—sparking both viral attention and a renewed cultural firestorm over fairness in girls’ and women’s sports.

A divided nation

Supporters of transgender inclusion in sports argue it’s about upholding civil rights and respecting gender identity. Critics say it creates an uneven playing field, especially in high school and collegiate athletics, where physical differences can impact outcomes.

Former President Donald Trump amplified those concerns earlier this year, signing an executive order banning transgender women from competing in female categories at events under federal oversight, including the 2028 LA Olympics. “The war on women’s sports is over,” he declared in February.

Still, not all states agree. Maine, among others, has maintained inclusive policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in alignment with their gender identity.

A growing backlash

The footage of Hogan’s podium protest spread quickly online. Advocates for women’s sports called it a brave stand. Critics of Hernandez’s participation expressed frustration and pointed to broader concerns over what they see as the erosion of female athletic opportunities.

“This guy won the girls’ triple jump by eight feet,” wrote Jennifer Sey, founder of advocacy group XX-XY. Others echoed the sentiment, calling Hogan “the real champion.”

A sign reportedly seen at the event read: “The weakest men compete with girls, the weakest minds celebrate it.”

Past incidents have also fueled the fire. In one 2022 case from North Carolina, a teenage volleyball player suffered a traumatic brain injury from a spike delivered by a transgender opponent, leading to new state legislation restricting participation based on biological sex.

But support remains

Despite the backlash, Hernandez defended her right to compete.

In an interview with Capital & Main, a nonprofit outlet focused on social and economic issues in California, Hernandez addressed the criticism. “I’m still a child,” she said. “You’re an adult, and for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person.”

She also pushed back against assumptions that her victories are guaranteed: “Now you have no proof that I can’t be beat.”

Supporters of Hernandez noted that she has followed all CIF regulations, which currently allow transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity. “If people don’t like it, the problem is with the rules, not the athlete,” one commenter said.

Advocates further point to studies suggesting transgender women do not consistently outperform cisgender women and often face physical and psychological disadvantages in competitive sports.

Looking ahead

The debate over transgender athletes in girls’ sports remains a flashpoint in the broader conversation about gender, rights, and fairness in American life. With Hogan’s quiet act of protest going viral, the issue is once again front and center—and likely to remain there, especially as more states move to either protect or restrict transgender participation.

As the track and field season continues, all eyes will be on the CIF Masters Meet—and on how the country continues to grapple with one of the most polarizing questions in modern sports.