Parents heckle transgender athlete AB Hernandez during California state semifinals after her strong performance in girls events

AB Hernandez, a transgender high school track star, was at the receiving end of criticism from parents during the CIF Track & Field State Prelims.

The rising talent of Jurupa Valley High School has qualified for three track and field events at the Prelims. AB Hernandez is currently ranked No.1 in the state in the girls’ triple jump athletic event.

The athlete recently competed in the California Interscholastic Federation's Southern Sectional Track and Field Prelims, and won the triple jump event with 40’2”. In the girls' long jump event she registered a 19’2” jump for the third position, and in the high jump event she clinched the eighth position.

Hernandez won three events at the River Valley League championships: high jump, long jump, and triple jump. She won the triple jump by more than six feet, the high jump event by a foot, and the long jump event by more than three feet, as per Sports Illustrated.

During the athletic meet, Hernandez, who is a transgender athlete competing in the girls' sports category, received negative comments from some parents. One of them said:

"That's a boy"

AB Hernandez lives in Jurupa Valley, California. She has three sisters and a mother, Nereyda Hernandez.

Track star AB Hernandez reflects on wins, training, and future goals

During the post-meet interview at the River Valley League Championships, the athlete shared her thoughts on winning, clinching victories with her team and her future goals.

"Very excited. I don't know, after long I was like, may be I am not going to do as good as triple but now that I have performed pretty well, I just keep telling myslef you are No.1, it’s yours to lose. If you loose it, it's fine but just keep that drive to get it back. Means a lot, I mean my teamm you know we were out there but we were like nervous, like we just got it, just lock in, just run your run and whatever happens, happens."

She continued:

"Push more, workout more, get further, hopefully, I hit a 41 [footer] this year if it’s possible. Preferably at state so that I can possibly win. But keep pushing myself harder."

The track star's grandparents settled in the United States after leaving Mexico and El Salvador. She was raised by them and she follows the Catholic Church.