Teen Athlete Sparks Controversy After Reclaiming Podium Following Loss to Transgender Competitor

A high school track and field event in California has reignited national debate after a teenager made a bold statement in response to her second-place finish behind a transgender athlete.

Reese Hogan, a student-athlete from Crean Lutheran High School, took part in the CIF Southern Section Finals over the weekend. Competing in the triple jump, Hogan finished second to AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete who was assigned male at birth and currently competes in the girls’ division.

After the awards ceremony, a moment caught wide attention online: Hogan stepped onto the top podium spot after Hernandez had exited, seemingly to make a symbolic statement of first place. The act sparked both support and backlash, quickly becoming part of the broader national conversation about transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.

Hernandez recorded a winning jump of 41 feet, 4 inches—over four feet further than Hogan’s result. Hernandez also secured first place in the long jump and qualified for the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet, scheduled for May 24, after a top-10 finish in the high jump.

Online, the reactions were swift and divided. Some praised Hogan’s actions as a stand for fairness in women’s sports, while others viewed it as disrespectful. Advocacy groups like XX-XY and conservative commentators criticized Hernandez’s participation, arguing it gave an unfair edge. Others expressed frustration that young female athletes are being placed in what they believe are disadvantageous or unsafe positions.

“This isn’t about hate—it’s about fairness,” one commenter wrote. “Girls train for years to get these moments, and it feels like they’re being taken away.”

Past incidents have fueled such sentiments, including a 2022 case in North Carolina where a female high school volleyball player suffered a serious injury after being hit by a ball spiked by a transgender opponent. The injury, which left her unconscious, sparked public outcry and led to state legislation banning transgender athletes from participating in girls’ teams across school levels.

Yet the debate is far from one-sided. Supporters of Hernandez and other transgender athletes argue that they are following the rules established by governing bodies and deserve to compete without harassment. Many emphasize that trans youth already face heightened levels of scrutiny and discrimination.

“She competed within the rules—if you don’t like the rules, change them,” one supporter posted. Others insisted that labeling trans athletes as inherently advantaged oversimplifies a complex issue.

Hernandez has responded to the criticism, calling claims of an unfair advantage both baseless and harmful. “People don’t see the full picture,” she said. “Being transgender doesn’t guarantee a win. I’ve lost before and I’ll lose again. That’s what competition is about.”

The issue continues to evolve nationally. In March, Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-led bill that sought to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s divisions at federally funded schools. Meanwhile, more states are introducing or passing laws regulating participation based on biological sex.

As for Hogan’s act of protest, opinions remain split. Some hail her as brave for standing up for what she believes, while others see the move as undermining sportsmanship.

What’s clear is that both athletes have become unwitting symbols in a national culture clash—one where the lines between inclusion, fairness, and identity continue to blur.

Source: bored panda