Fencer disqualified after taking a knee against trans competitor
- Stephanie Turner protested by taking a knee before her match against transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan.
- Turner's decision was made the night before the tournament when she learned of her opponent's background.
- The incident has sparked widespread discussion about the fairness and inclusivity of transgender policies in women's sports.
In a USA Fencing-sanctioned tournament in Maryland, Stephanie Turner, a female fencer, made headlines after she took a knee instead of competing against Redmond Sullivan, a transgender athlete. Turner learned that she would face Sullivan only the night before the competition, prompting her to decide on a form of protest in order to express her concerns about transgender inclusion in women's sports. During the match, Turner expressed her discontent by kneeling and stating that as a woman in a women's tournament, she could not compete against a biological male. This act of protest led to her disqualification under USA Fencing rules, which prohibit refusal to compete against registered opponents. Turner's actions drew significant media attention, reflecting the ongoing debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. Following her disqualification, Turner emphasized that her protest was for all female athletes and articulated a belief that women's sports should be reserved for biological females. The incident ignited discussions regarding equity, inclusivity, and the fairness of competition in sports, attracting reactions from other athletes and public figures, including tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who criticized USA Fencing for penalizing Turner. The organization defended its decision, stating it upheld FIE rules and insisting on the importance of inclusivity. Turner stated her commitment to fighting for the integrity of women's sports, signifying her determination to maintain a conversation on the matter as the policies evolve.