By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-04-04 14:47:45 | Updated at 2025-04-05 10:33:55
19 hours ago
An American fencing star has revealed she fears being targeted for her views after refusing to face a transgender opponent.
Stephanie Turner had been due to face Redmond Sullivan at the University of Maryland in America at the Cherry Blossom tournament.
However, instead of competing, Turner decided to take a knee in protest.
The 31-year-old was subsequently disqualified and shown a black card, which is usually reserved for bad behaviour or unsporting conduct.
American fencing star Stephanie Turner fears being targeted for her views after refusing to face a transgender opponent
X
Turner later said that she did so because 'USA Fencing had not been listening to women's objections'.
Furthermore, the fencer said that her opponent was a 'man' competing in a 'women's tournament'.
Now, speaking to the Daily Mail, Turner has revealed she fears for her future in the sport due to her thoughts on the matter.
When asked about reaching out to the governing body, she said: "I was like, I don't even want to reach out because if I do, then I won't ever have a fair bout in my life.
JUST IN: Travis Kelce 'sidelining relationship with Taylor Swift' after 'blaming her for NFL struggles'
"I always welcome a nuanced and respectful debate, and that includes Ms. Turner.
"Ms. Turner is welcome to her opinions. That’s the beauty of discourse. We can come to the table and agree to disagree."
USA Fencing added in a statement: "USA Fencing enacted our current transgender and non-binary athlete policy in 2023.
"The policy was designed to expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces.
American fencing star Stephanie Turner took the knee in protest after refusing to face a transgender opponent
X
"The policy is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and was based upon the research available of the day.
"We understand that the conversation on equity and inclusion pertaining to transgender participation in sport is evolving.
"USA Fencing will always err on the side of inclusion, and we’re committed to amending the policy as more relevant evidence-based research emerges, or as policy changes take effect in the wider Olympic & Paralympic movement."
