Trans athlete left 'crushed' after controversial podium rule introduced in America

California high school athlete AB Hernandez has been left "crushed" by rules that could once again require shared podium places at this week's state track and field championships, according to comments made by mother Nereyda Hernandez.

Hernandez is set to compete at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track and Field Championships under the governing body's pilot entry programme, a policy that can create additional qualifying places and award extra medals to girls who finish behind AB Hernandez in certain events.

The championships begin on May 29, with the CIF implementing the pilot entry programme for a second consecutive year.

Under the policy, if Hernandez qualifies for an event, an additional athlete who would otherwise miss the qualifying standard can also be added to the field.

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The rule was introduced ahead of the 2025 championships and remains one of the most debated policies in American high school sport.

Speaking to KQED, Nereyda Hernandez said the decision to extend the programme beyond last year's state championships came as a significant disappointment.

"Learning the rule would extend to the state qualifying process this year crushed AB's heart," Nereyda said.

"They had only mentioned it was going to be for the 2025 championships.

"We didn't think we'd have to deal with it again."

The controversy stems from the 2025 state championships, where Hernandez produced a dominant performance in the triple jump.

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According to Out Sports, Hernandez jumped almost two feet further than the nearest rival but was required to share the top podium position under the pilot entry programme.

The policy was reportedly introduced just days before the 2025 championships amid growing political and public debate surrounding eligibility rules in girls' sport.

The issue attracted national attention, with US President Donald Trump among those commenting on Hernandez's participation.

Hernandez, who represents Jurupa Valley High School, has become one of the most prominent figures in the wider discussion surrounding eligibility policies in school athletics.

Nereyda has previously spoken about protests that have taken place around competitions involving Hernandez, defending participation in events and rejecting criticism directed at the family.

"She's doing nothing wrong," Nereyda Hernandez previously said.

The CIF has maintained that the pilot entry programme is designed to address concerns surrounding qualification opportunities and medal allocations at championship events.

Eligibility rules across the United States vary considerably depending on the state and governing body involved, creating a patchwork of regulations across school sports.

State championships are often regarded as some of the most important competitions in a young athlete's career, with performances frequently influencing scholarship opportunities, college recruitment and future sporting pathways.

As a result, qualification procedures and medal policies continue to generate intense scrutiny from athletes, parents, administrators and campaign groups on all sides of the debate.

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