But this wasn’t a typical meet. For the first time, CIF applied a new rule that allowed medals to be awarded in a way that recognized Hernandez’s wins while also honoring the performances of cisgender athletes as if Hernandez had not competed.
Trump’s new order
This compromise was born out of intense national debate. Just weeks earlier, President Donald Trump had signed an executive order demanding that transgender girls be barred from competing in girls’ sports, threatening to withhold federal funding from California if the state didn’t comply. The pressure ignited fierce discussion on fairness, rights, and how to balance them in school athletics.
Despite this, the awards ceremony was peaceful and joyful. Hernandez and Brooke White of River City High School, who placed second in the long jump, embraced warmly on the podium, sharing smiles and medals.
The high jump event ended in a three-way tie, with Hernandez and two other athletes clearing the same height, further underscoring the competitive nature of the meet. CIF’s new rule, designed to “provide students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete,” reflects California’s commitment to inclusion while attempting to address concerns from some athletes and families.
