CLOVIS, Calif. — A transgender athlete bested the competition Saturday at the California high school track and field championship to take home her first gold in the girls high 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 nationally by a high school sports governing body.

Hernandez finished the high jump with a mark of 5 feet, 7 inches (1.7 meters), with no failed attempts. Co-winners Jillene Wetteland and Lelani Laruelle also cleared that height after each logged a failed attempt. The three shared the first-place win, smiling as they stepped together onto the podium.

Hernandez placed second in the girls long jump and was a top contender in the triple jump.

Olympians Marion Jon

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