US Fencer Disqualified After Refusing to Compete Against Transgender Athlete at Maryland Tournament

Fencer Disqualified for Refusing Match Against Transgender Opponent at US Women's Tournament

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – A female fencer was disqualified from a women’s foil competition after refusing to face a transgender opponent, sparking heated online debate and media attention.

The incident took place during the Cherry Blossom Open tournament last Sunday at the University of Maryland. Stephanie Turner, representing the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, declined to compete against Redmond Sullivan, a transgender woman from Iconic Fencing Club, by taking a knee in protest during their scheduled pool match.

Turner had completed four previous matches in the tournament before she was disqualified under the International Fencing Federation’s rules, which prohibit athletes from refusing to compete once matched. Sullivan ultimately placed 24th out of 39 participants.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Turner said her protest was a response to USA Fencing’s gender eligibility policy, which she feels ignores the concerns of female athletes. "I knew what I had to do because USA Fencing had not been listening to women’s objections," she said.

USA Fencing's current policy, adopted in 2023, permits transgender women to compete in women’s events after completing at least one year of testosterone suppression therapy, with medical documentation required.

Turner acknowledged the personal risks associated with her protest. “It will probably, at least for a moment, destroy my life,” she said. “I don’t think that it’s going to be easy for me from now on going to fencing tournaments… It’s very hard for me to do this.”

The moment of protest, caught on video, quickly circulated online and was shared by the Independent Council on Women’s Sports. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova reposted the clip on social media platform X, expressing strong support for Turner and criticizing USA Fencing’s stance. “Shame on you for doing this. How dare you throw women under the gender bullshit bus!!!” Navratilova wrote.

The video shows Turner kneeling and later speaking with Sullivan, who appeared confused by the situation and asked if she was okay. Turner responded, “I’m sorry. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you.”

As the controversy continues to spark intense debate on social media, USA Fencing has yet to issue a detailed statement addressing the disqualification or Turner’s protest.