A jaw-dropping moment at a California high school track meet is sparking outrage and reigniting fierce debate across the country.
During the CIF Southern Section Finals, Crean Lutheran’s Reese Hogan took a bold stand — literally — by stepping onto the first-place podium, even though she finished second in the triple jump.
The reason? Hogan was edged out by AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete who was born male but now competes as female.
War on women’s sports?
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports is tearing the nation in two. Supporters say it’s about inclusion, identity, and basic human rights — but critics warn it’s a direct threat to fairness and the integrity of women’s competition.
Now, the issue isn’t just a cultural flashpoint — it’s a political one, too. In February, former President Donald Trump took a bold stance by signing an executive order that bans transgender women from competing in female sports divisions.
Trump declared, “The war on women’s sports is over,” vowing that during the upcoming LA Olympic Games, “my administration will not stand by and watch men beat and batter female athletes.”
The move, unsurprisingly, ignited a nationwide firestorm — and not every state is falling in line. Maine, for example, has openly refused to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.
And now, a viral moment out of California has reignited the explosive debate.
The footage
At the CIF Southern Section Finals on May 18, Crean Lutheran High School’s Reese Hogan took a defiant stand.
Though she finished second in the triple jump, Hogan returned to the podium after the official ceremony and stood tall on the top spot —left empty after the event’s winner, outspoken transgender athlete AB Hernandez, exited.
The scene, captured in viral footage, quickly made the rounds online. For many, it symbolized frustration over what they see as an unfair playing field.
Hernandez, a biologically male athlete who identifies as female, dominated the competition with a jump of 41 feet, 4 inches — over four feet ahead of Hogan.
Hernandez, from Jurupa Valley High School in California, also won the long jump and placed seventh in the high jump, qualifying for the CIF Masters Meet scheduled for May 24.
The internet was quick to react.
“This guy won the girls long jump and triple jump in a CA track meet over the weekend,” wrote Jennifer Sey, founder of women’s sports advocacy group XX-XY.
“He won the triple jump by 8ft. He’s really crushing it!”
“Wow, what an accomplishment. I’m sure it had nothing to do with being a biological male,” snarked Trending Politics co-owner Colin Rugg.
Others joined in, echoing a growing wave of criticism.
“Second place is the real champion!” one person posted. “Good on her! This nonsense has to stop,” another added.
A blunt sign spotted at the meet read:
“The weakest men compete with girls, the weakest minds celebrate it.”
Another user chimed in:
“I’m sick of this. All the fight for women’s rights is now gone by the same people who fought for women’s rights in the first place.”