A tense moment at a California high school track meet has captured the attention of the nation and reignited a fierce conversation about fairness in school sports.
The CIF Southern Section Finals, one of the most competitive track and field events in the state, unfolded with outstanding performances from several athletes.
Among them was Reese Hogan, a 16-year-old standout from Crean Lutheran High School, who delivered the best triple jump of her career, landing at 37 feet, 2 inches.
But despite the record-setting achievement, Hogan officially placed second.
The top spot went to AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School, who took first place in both the long jump and triple jump. Hernandez recorded a jump of 41 feet, 4 inches in the triple event, surpassing Hogan by more than four feet.
That result, however, wasn’t the part of the event that made headlines.
As the crowd began to disperse and the podium cleared, Hogan quietly made her way to the top block—the first-place position and smiled for a photo. There was no speech, no confrontation. Just a silent, deliberate gesture.
“When the boy got off the podium, she assumed her rightful spot as champion. The crowd erupts with applause,”
conservative commentator Riley Gaines posted on X (formerly Twitter), applauding Hogan’s defiant act. “That’s how you do it.”
The moment instantly went viral, with supporters hailing Hogan’s decision as a brave stand for fairness in girls’ sports, while critics called it a disrespectful move that undermines inclusion.
This was not the first time Hogan had made her stance clear. Earlier this month, she and several other female athletes showed up to the CIF Division 3 Prelims wearing “Protect Girls Sports” shirts. According to Fox News, meet officials told the girls they would not be allowed to compete unless they removed the shirts.
“It wasn’t said, but it was implied that if I didn’t take my shirt off then and there, something could happen to my spot,” Hogan later recalled.
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) confirmed the incident, noting that all athletes must wear school issued uniforms while on the field. But the broader implications of the gesture and the reactions that followed continue to echo.
“It’s just kind of sad just watching,” Hogan told reporters. “He’s obviously a really talented athlete… but in a boys’ division.”
Other athletes have echoed similar concerns. Katie McGuinness of La Canada High School, who placed second to Hernandez in the long jump, said,
“There are just certain genetic advantages that biological males have that biological girls don’t. Frankly, I just can’t stand for that.”
The CIF allows transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity, a policy that has now come under federal scrutiny. The U.S. Department of Education recently launched a Title IX investigation into CIF’s handling of transgender participation in girls’ sports.
Meanwhile, Hernandez is headed to the CIF State Championships, qualified in both jump events, and remains focused on competing.
Hogan, for her part, continues to train and compete—but now carries the added weight of being a symbol. Whether you see her act as one of courage or controversy, her silent stand has added another layer to a growing national debate.
In a single moment on a podium, Reese Hogan didn’t just protest. She made a statement that’s still being heard.
Feature Image Credit: (X/ @Railey Gaines)
