Tensions continue at CIF Track and Field Championships over competing transgender athlete

Protesters gathered outside Veterans Memorial Stadium ahead of the CIF Track and Field Championships Saturday, voicing opposition to the participation of a transgender athlete in girls' events.

>The demonstrations centered on 17-year-old AB Hernandez, a Southern California athlete who identifies as transgender and competed in three girls' events at the meet. Critics of Hernandez's participation argued it creates an uneven playing field.

>"The male body, in the case of sports, they're superior, right? We can see it today in the track meet: he can jump farther, jump higher, run faster," said Beth Bourne, who was protesting Hernandez's participation.

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>Hernandez competed Friday in preliminary events, qualifying in three and placing first in two during Saturday's events.

>The senior outperformed the next competitor in the triple jump by 17 and one-quarter inches, and in the long jump by six and a quarter inches.

>Hernandez also tied for fourth place in the high jump with another athlete.

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>Supporters of Hernandez said the athlete's performance reflects dedication and training rather than an unfair advantage, and they pointed to CIF rules governing participation.

>"Trans athletes cannot displace any cisgender athletes per CIF rules. They can't take a placement. They can't take a podium spot. She is just there to play," said Daisy Gardner, a family friend of Hernandez.

>The demonstrations outside the stadium highlighted ongoing debate over transgender athletes' participation in school sports, as competition continued inside.

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