A recent incident at a California high school track meet has reignited fierce debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports. At the CIF Southern Section Finals, Crean Lutheran High School’s Reese Hogan made headlines when she took a bold stand by stepping onto the first-place podium, despite having finished second in the triple jump. Hogan’s move was a direct response to AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete who was born male but now competes as female, winning the event.
The Growing Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports has become a significant cultural and political issue. Advocates argue that inclusion and equal rights for transgender individuals are paramount, while critics believe that allowing transgender women to compete against cisgender women undermines fairness and the integrity of women’s competitions.
Former President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, which bans transgender women from competing in women’s sports, has only intensified the controversy. His declaration that “the war on women’s sports is over” has sparked passionate reactions across the country. However, not all states have agreed with this stance. For example, Maine has chosen to allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports, further deepening the divide.
The issue has gained more traction with high-profile incidents like the one involving Reese Hogan at the CIF Southern Section Finals. This moment has become a symbol for many who feel that transgender athletes have an unfair advantage in women’s sports.
The Incident at the CIF Southern Section Finals
On May 18, 2025, Reese Hogan, who finished second in the triple jump, defied expectations by claiming the first-place spot on the podium after Hernandez, the winner of the event, had left the area. Hernandez, who is biologically male but identifies as female, jumped a distance of 41 feet, 4 inches, over four feet further than Hogan, who had a jump of 37 feet, 10 inches.
The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of comments from across the country. Many people voiced frustration over the perceived inequity in the competition. Critics of the situation argue that biological differences between men and women give transgender women an unfair advantage in certain sports. Some users on social media took to the platform to express their opinions, with one commenting, “Second place is the real champion!” while others called for a stop to what they described as “nonsense.”
The presence of a blunt sign at the meet reading “The weakest men compete with girls, the weakest minds celebrate it” further highlighted the growing discontent surrounding the issue.
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The Backlash and Support
The debate has intensified with vocal responses from both sides. Critics argue that transgender women, due to their male physiology, have physical advantages in certain sports. They point to previous incidents, such as a traumatic injury to a volleyball player in North Carolina, as evidence that transgender athletes competing in women’s sports can lead to dangerous consequences. As a result, some states have passed laws banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, while others, such as the NCAA, have called for more inclusive policies.
On the other hand, supporters of transgender athletes emphasize that these athletes are simply following the rules and should be treated with the same respect as any other competitor. Hernandez herself responded to the criticism, asserting that the backlash was “ridiculous” and defending her right to compete in women’s events. She has also spoken about the personal challenges she’s faced during her track season, where she experienced both victories and losses, and emphasized that she is simply trying to do her best.
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Studies and Evidence
A report from Capital & Main, a nonprofit outlet covering California’s major social and environmental issues, suggests that transgender athletes do not consistently outperform their cisgender peers. Some studies even show that transgender women may have physical disadvantages compared to cisgender women, indicating that the perceived advantages may not be as significant as critics suggest.
This ongoing debate is not just limited to track and field or other high school sports but extends to the professional sports arena as well. As more states implement bans or push for more inclusive policies, the future of women’s sports remains uncertain. With athletes like Hernandez breaking records and making headlines, the discussion surrounding fairness, inclusion, and competition is far from over.
A Silent Protest
Reese Hogan’s actions at the CIF Southern Section Finals have sparked a powerful conversation about the role of transgender athletes in women’s sports. By standing on the first-place podium despite finishing second, Hogan made her position clear without saying a word. This silent protest has made the conversation even louder and further fueled the national debate over fairness and equality in athletics.
As the discussion continues, it is clear that no consensus will be reached easily. With passionate voices on both sides, the controversy over transgender athletes in women’s sports shows no signs of slowing down. It remains to be seen how this issue will evolve and what steps will be taken to ensure that athletes of all backgrounds can compete fairly and safely in the future.
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