California track meet implements co-podium policy for female athletes

The California Interscholastic Federation applied a pilot podium policy during a May 16 sectional track and field meet at Moorpark High School. The policy stated that any cisgender female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark would receive an opportunity to advance.

Officials said the measure complied with California law and Education Code. A letter dated May 16 informed coaches of the co-podium arrangement. In the girls' Division 3 long jump, AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley High School finished first. Gianna Gonzalez of Moorpark High School was announced as co-champion and stood on the top podium spot.

High jump results In the Division 3 high jump, Hernandez again placed first.

Gwynneth Mureika of Oak Park High School finished second and was announced as co-champion. Mureika stepped onto the top podium position before Hernandez joined her.

Triple jump and reactions Hernandez won the Division 3 triple jump.

Malia Strange of Shadow Hills finished second but did not appear for the co-champion podium. Olivia Viola, a Crean Lutheran High School athlete, told Fox News Channel's America Reports that the policy was a band-aid fix that did not address earlier displacements.

The CIF has not responded to multiple requests for comment on the pilot program. Hernandez advanced to the next round of the state tournament in all three events.