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Fencer Disqualified After Protest Against Transgender Opponent at Maryland Tournament
USA Fencing has affirmed its decision to disqualify a female fencer from a recent Maryland competition after she declined to compete against a transgender athlete. The organization stated the action was consistent with the regulations established by the sport’s international governing body. The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding inclusion and fairness in sports, particularly regarding transgender athletes’ participation in women’s events.
Incident at Regional Tournament
The event took place on March 30 at a USA Fencing-sanctioned regional tournament. This was not an event organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Fencer Stephanie Turner protested prior to her match against Redmond Sullivan, a transgender competitor. She placed her mask down and knelt, resulting in a black card from the referee. This penalty led to her immediate removal from the tournament.
USA Fencing Statement on Disqualification
According to USA Fencing, their primary duty is to ensure all participants, irrespective of personal beliefs, adhere to the same rules set forth by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), which governs fencing globally.
“Stephanie Turner’s disqualification, limited to this specific tournament, was not due to her statement, but rather the direct consequence of her choice to refuse to fence an eligible opponent, a clear violation of FIE rules,” USA Fencing clarified in a released statement. “USA Fencing is required to uphold these rules and ensure adherence to international standards.”
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Fencer’s Account of Protest
Turner, in comments to Fox News Digital, explained that she decided to protest the evening before when she learned of her assigned opponent.
“Redmond believed I was going to fence. When I knelt, I looked at the referee and stated, ‘I apologize, I cannot proceed. I am a woman, and this is a women’s tournament, and I will not fence this individual,’” Turner told Fox News, misgendering Sullivan.
Social Media Reaction and Debate
The controversy gained traction on social media platforms, particularly on Wednesday. Notable figures like tennis legend Martina Navratilova, a vocal advocate regarding fair competition and transgender athletes, shared her perspective.
Navratilova posted on X (formerly Twitter): “This is the outcome when female athletes protest! Does anyone still believe this is equitable??? I am outraged… and shame on @USAFencing for betraying women to appease gender ideology!!!”
USA Fencing’s Transgender Policy
USA Fencing implemented its current policy regarding transgender and nonbinary athletes in 2023. The organization stated the policy is founded on the principle of universal access to sports participation, based on available research at the time of implementation.
“We acknowledge the ongoing dialogue surrounding equity and inclusion related to transgender participation in sports is constantly evolving,” USA Fencing stated.
“USA Fencing will consistently prioritize inclusion and is dedicated to revising the policy as more evidence-based research emerges or as broader changes are implemented within the Olympic & Paralympic movement.”