A transgender athlete at the California high school track and field championship took gold in the girls high jump and triple jump at a meet that has stirred controversy and drawn national attention.
AB Hernandez competed under a new rule change that may be the first of its kind in the United States by a high school sports governing body.
Hernandez finished the high jump with a high of 1.7 meters, with no failed attempts. Co-winners Jillene Wetteland and Lelani Laruelle also cleared that height after each logged a failed attempt.
Hernandez also took first place finish in the triple jump, sharing the top spot with Kira Gant Hatcher.
The atmosphere was relatively quiet despite critics calling for Hernandez to be excluded. Some critics wore pink bracelets and T-shirts that read: “Save Girls' Sports.”
The California Interscholastic Federation announced the new policy in response to Hernandez's success heading into the championships. Under the policy, the federation allowed an additional student to compete and medal in the events where Hernandez qualified.
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