US fencer disqualified for refusing to compete against transgender opponent in women's event.

WASHINGTON, April 4 — A fencer was disqualified from a US women’s foil event after refusing to compete against a transgender opponent, an incident that has since gone viral online.

The incident took place at the Cherry Blossom tournament at the University of Maryland in College Park last Sunday.

Stephanie Turner, representing the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, took a knee instead of facing Redmond Sullivan of Iconic Fencing Club during a pool play match.

Having already competed in four previous bouts, Turner was disqualified under International Fencing Federation rules, which prohibit fencers from refusing to compete. Sullivan went on to place 24th out of 39 participants.

“I knew what I had to do because USA Fencing had not been listening to women’s objections” regarding its gender eligibility policy, Turner told Fox News Digital.

USA Fencing’s policy, established in 2023, permits transgender women to compete in women’s events after undergoing at least one year of testosterone suppression treatment, with proof required.

Turner acknowledged that her decision could have personal repercussions.

“It will probably, at least for a moment, destroy my life,” she told Fox News. “I don’t think it’s going to be easy for me at fencing tournaments from now on. I don’t think it’s going to be easy for me at practice. This is very hard for me.”

Her protest received support from retired tennis star Martina Navratilova, who shared a video of the moment on social media.

“This is what happens when female athletes protest!” Navratilova posted on X. “Anyone here still thinks this is fair??? I am fuming... and shame on @USAFencing, shame on you for doing this. How dare you throw women under the gender bullshit bus!!!”

The video, posted by the Independent Council on Women’s Sports, showed Sullivan and Turner speaking shortly after she took a knee.

“When I took the knee, I looked at the ref and said, ‘I’m sorry. I cannot do this. I am a woman, and this is a man. This is a women’s tournament, and I will not fence this individual,’” Turner told Fox News.

She added that Sullivan initially misunderstood her actions.

“Redmond didn’t hear me, and he came up to me, thinking I might be injured or confused about what was happening. He asked, ‘Are you OK?’ And I said, ‘I’m sorry. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you.’”

USA Fencing Calls for Respectful Dialogue

In a statement to Fox News, USA Fencing defended its transgender inclusion policy, stating that it was designed to “expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces.”

“We respect the viewpoints on all sides and encourage our members to continue sharing them as the matter evolves,” the organization stated. “It’s important for the fencing community to engage in this dialogue.”

However, USA Fencing emphasized that discussions should remain respectful, whether in tournaments or online.

“The way to progress is through respectful discussion based on evidence,” the statement continued.

In a separate comment to Newsweek, USA Fencing clarified that Turner’s disqualification was not due to any personal statement but was a direct result of her refusal to compete against an eligible opponent, violating federation rules.

“We remain committed to inclusivity within our sport while also upholding every requirement dictated by our governing body,” the organization said, adding that the discussion around transgender participation in sports is “evolving.”

“USA Fencing will always err on the side of inclusion,” it stated.

“We are committed to amending the policy as more relevant, evidence-based research emerges or as policy changes occur within the broader Olympic and Paralympic movement.” — AFP