A recent high school track and field competition in California has reignited a national discussion about transgender athletes in sports, highlighting the complex balance between inclusion, competitive fairness, and evolving policies across the United States.
During the CIF Southern Section Finals on May 18, 2025, a triple jump event at Moorpark High School saw Jurupa Valley High School’s AB Hernandez, a transgender girl, take first place with a mark of 41 feet, 4 inches. Crean Lutheran’s Reese Hogan finished second. After the official awards ceremony, Hogan reportedly returned to the podium and stood in the first-place spot, an action that gained attention online and in the media.
CIF Southern Section and California Policy
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), which governs high school sports in California, has policies that allow transgender student-athletes to compete in accordance with their gender identity. The policy is designed to comply with state law, specifically the School Success and Opportunity Act (Assembly Bill 1266), which was signed into law in 2013. This law permits students to participate in sex-segregated programs, activities, and facilities consistent with their gender identity, regardless of the gender listed on their records.
According to the CIF’s official guidelines, a transgender athlete wishing to compete in accordance with their gender identity must work with their school to confirm eligibility. The policy emphasizes both privacy and fairness, encouraging inclusive participation while seeking to maintain competitive equity.
Broader National Context
Transgender inclusion in school sports is an issue being debated nationwide. According to the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), as of early 2025, more than 20 U.S. states have passed laws restricting transgender students’ participation on school sports teams consistent with their gender identity, generally arguing for competitive fairness. Conversely, states like California, New York, and Maine have maintained policies that prioritize inclusion and alignment with gender identity.
Performance Data on Transgender Athletes
Debate over the competitive impact of transgender athletes in girls’ sports is complex and frequently contentious. Some advocacy groups and politicians argue that transgender girls who have undergone male puberty have physiological advantages in some sports. Others emphasize the role of hormone therapy and the diversity of athletic performance among all athletes.
A 2021 review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined the impact of testosterone suppression on transgender women in sports. The study found that while transgender women retain some advantages in muscle mass and strength after one year of testosterone suppression, these advantages decline over time. The review highlighted the need for nuanced, sport-specific policies and noted gaps in long-term research.
Meanwhile, organizations like the NCAA allow transgender women to compete in women’s sports divisions if they have completed at least one year of testosterone suppression treatment, recognizing hormone therapy’s role in reducing testosterone-linked performance advantages.
Recent Legislative Actions
In recent years, the topic has become highly politicized. Some states have passed legislation barring transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports at the K-12 or collegiate level. For example:
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North Carolina passed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in 2023, which requires participation in sports teams to align with the sex assigned at birth for middle school, high school, and college athletes. Lawmakers cited safety and fairness as their primary concerns.
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Conversely, Maine has explicitly chosen not to adopt such bans and maintains inclusive participation policies.
Athletes and Advocates on Both Sides
Athletes, coaches, and organizations hold a wide range of views on this issue:
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Supporters of inclusion argue that transgender students deserve the right to participate fully in school life, including athletics, consistent with their gender identity. They emphasize that sports participation is critical for social, emotional, and physical well-being.
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Critics argue that physiological differences can create unfair competitive conditions in certain sports, especially when involving athletes who experienced male puberty before transitioning.
Over 400 current and former Olympic athletes signed a letter in 2023 urging the NCAA to maintain inclusion for transgender athletes. They argued that sports should remain accessible to all, and any changes to policies should avoid blanket bans.
Social Media and Public Reaction
The podium moment at the CIF Southern Section Finals quickly spread on social media, with some users expressing strong opinions about competitive fairness and others defending the CIF’s inclusion policy. These online reactions have added to an already polarized national conversation.
However, CIF officials have reiterated that all participating athletes are expected to follow eligibility rules, which include processes for transgender athletes in line with California state law. There has been no official indication that any rules were violated in this event.
The Ongoing Debate
Experts agree that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue. International governing bodies like World Athletics and the International Olympic Committee have continued to review and revise their eligibility policies for transgender athletes, often balancing inclusion with competitive equity on a sport-by-sport basis.
In the United States, the discussion is expected to continue in courts, legislatures, and school boards, with new research, legal challenges, and policy updates shaping the landscape in the years ahead.
Sources
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California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). Transgender Participation Guidelines. Link
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California Legislative Information. AB-1266 Pupil rights: sex-segregated school programs and activities. Link
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Movement Advancement Project. Equality Maps: School Sports Participation Policies. Link
