A recent incident at a high school track and field competition in California has ignited an intense debate over the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. The controversy erupted when Reese Hogan, a high school athlete from Crean Lutheran High School, took to the podium after the competition and stood on the first-place spot despite finishing second in the triple jump. Hogan’s decision to stand on the podium, which had been vacated by the winner, AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete, has drawn a wide range of reactions.
The situation highlights the ongoing national discussion regarding fairness and inclusion in women’s sports. While some see it as a protest against perceived inequality, others argue it is an infringement on the rights of transgender athletes. This debate is not only a topic of public conversation but also one that has been addressed in various legislative actions and executive orders in the United States.
The Situation: Hogan’s Podium Protest
The incident occurred during the CIF Southern Section Finals on May 18, where Reese Hogan finished second in the triple jump, behind AB Hernandez, who is a transgender athlete. Hernandez, born biologically male, now competes as a female. Hogan’s protest came after Hernandez, who jumped 41 feet 4 inches, claimed first place.
Following the ceremony, Hogan stepped onto the first-place podium, where Hernandez had stood earlier, after Hernandez left the event. The moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral, with many debating whether the protest was a legitimate expression of frustration or an inappropriate disruption of the competition.
Sources:
- CIF Southern Section – Track & Field Event Results
- NBC News – Debate on Transgender Athletes in Sports
The Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
The issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports has become a contentious and emotional topic in recent years. Supporters of transgender inclusion argue that sports should be open to all, regardless of gender identity, and that athletes like Hernandez should be able to compete based on their gender identity, as per policies by various sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and NCAA.
Critics, however, contend that the participation of transgender women in women’s sports creates an unfair advantage. They argue that biological differences between male and female athletes, particularly in terms of muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function, can result in an imbalance in performance. This concern has led to calls for greater regulation of transgender participation in sports, including the introduction of bills and executive orders designed to restrict such participation in some states.
Source:
- International Olympic Committee – Guidelines on Transgender Athletes
- NCAA – Policy on Transgender Athletes
Public Reactions and the Broader Conversation
The reaction to Hogan’s protest has been polarized. Some people see it as a legitimate protest against what they perceive as unfair advantages in the competition, especially when a transgender athlete is involved. Others argue that Hernandez, like any other athlete, followed the rules and should be celebrated for her athletic achievements.
One social media user, Jennifer Sey, founder of the women’s sports advocacy group XX-XY, commented, “He won the triple jump by 8 feet. He’s really crushing it!” This statement was met with criticism from supporters of Hernandez, who noted that Hernandez was following all competition regulations and winning fair and square.
Meanwhile, others expressed sympathy for Hogan’s position, with one individual writing, “Second place is the real champion! Good on her! This nonsense has to stop.”
Source:
- BBC Sport – Controversy Surrounding Transgender Athletes
- The Guardian – Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Competition
Legislative and Political Backdrop
The issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports has become a highly politicized topic. Former President Donald Trump made headlines in February 2025 when he signed an executive order banning transgender women from competing in female sports divisions. His order emphasized that the “war on women’s sports” was over, sparking immediate debates among politicians, athletes, and the public.
While some states, like Maine, have taken a stand in favor of inclusion, others, like North Carolina, have passed laws that prevent transgender athletes from participating in women’s events. This divide reflects the broader cultural and political struggle surrounding the rights of transgender individuals and the quest for gender equality in sports.
Source:
- CNN – Trump Signs Executive Order on Transgender Athletes
- USA Today – Debate on Transgender Rights in Sports
Hernandez Responds to Backlash
AB Hernandez, the transgender athlete involved in the controversy, defended her position in the face of criticism. She emphasized that she was following all rules and regulations set forth by the event organizers and did not see her participation as unfair. In an interview, Hernandez stated that she had faced significant backlash during the track and field season but was determined to compete and succeed based on her athletic abilities.
Despite the controversy, Hernandez’s support for the rights of transgender athletes is evident in her advocacy. She has expressed frustration with the criticism she faces but remains focused on her performances and her goal to compete at the highest level.
Source:
- Capital & Main – Interview with AB Hernandez on Transgender Athletes
The Future of Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports is far from settled. As more states introduce legislation either supporting or opposing transgender inclusion in sports, the conversation will likely continue to evolve. Leading athletic organizations, such as the NCAA and the IOC, continue to review and adjust their policies to ensure fairness while promoting inclusion.
The issue remains complex, balancing equity, inclusion, and fair competition. As athletes like Hernandez continue to compete and excel, it will be important for sports organizations, lawmakers, and the public to find solutions that respect the rights of all athletes while maintaining fairness in competition.
Sources:
- NCAA – Transgender Participation Policy
- The Guardian – Fairness in Sports: The Transgender Debate
Conclusion: The Ongoing Debate
The protest by Reese Hogan and the subsequent backlash following AB Hernandez’s victory at the CIF Southern Section Finals has reignited the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports. This ongoing issue touches on themes of fairness, inclusion, and the rights of athletes. As the debate continues, it is clear that finding common ground will be challenging but necessary for the future of competitive sports.
In the meantime, both transgender athletes and their critics continue to play a significant role in shaping the conversation surrounding gender and athletics.
Sources:
- NCAA – Policy on Transgender Athletes
- The Guardian – Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Competition
- USA Today – Transgender Rights in Sports
- Capital & Main – Interview with AB Hernandez
- CNN – Trump Signs Executive Order on Transgender Athletes