A fencer who refused to compete against a transgender athlete at a Maryland tournament has spoken publicly about her decision.
During the Cherry Blossom Open, held at the University of Maryland on the weekend of March 29, Stephanie Turner and Redmond Sullivan were scheduled to face off in a regional match. However, Turner declined to participate, taking a knee instead—an action that led to her expulsion from the event.
Turner Explains Her Decision
Turner explained that she had reviewed the tournament’s online registration before the event to check her matchups and noticed Sullivan’s name on the list. Recognizing her from a previous article, she told FOX News that she felt “disappointed” and “at a loss.”
When the match began, Turner knelt on the ground, prompting an official to ask whether she was refusing to compete.
“Initially, I told them that I was refusing to fence because this person is a man and I am a woman. This is a women’s tournament, and I refuse to fence on principle,” Turner said, stating that she did not want to compete against a transgender opponent.
Sullivan, unaware of Turner’s reasoning at first, approached her with concern, thinking she was injured. “She asked if I was okay, and I told her, ‘I’m sorry. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you,’” Turner recalled.
Sullivan then reminded Turner that the board of directors supported her participation and referenced existing policies that allowed her to compete. She also warned Turner that refusing to compete would result in being “black carded” (disqualified).
Turner, however, remained firm in her stance and was ultimately eliminated from the competition.
“I have no choice as a woman— as a female— in where I compete. I am at an athletic disadvantage to men, so I compete in the women’s division,” she stated. She argued that Sullivan had other options, including competing in mixed events.
Turner added that she had decided before the tournament to leave the outcome up to faith. “I was like, ‘You know what, I’m just going to give it to God. If this person shows up to my event and is on my script, then I would take a knee, and that would be God’s will.’”
She admitted that her decision was not easy, acknowledging that it would likely have serious consequences: “This will probably, at least for a moment, destroy my life.”
Sullivan’s Team Responds
Sullivan’s team has defended her right to compete, stating that she has adhered to all FIE (International Fencing Federation) and USA Fencing regulations.
In a statement to the Daily Express US, Iconic Fencing Club stood by Sullivan, saying:
“Fencing is rooted in a deep tradition of honor, sportsmanship, inclusion, and respect. The type of behavior expressed by Red’s opponent has no place in our sport. Iconic Fencing Club supports Red in her fencing journey and will continue to do so.”
USA Fencing Addresses the Controversy
USA Fencing also responded, emphasizing that Turner was not penalized for her beliefs but for refusing to compete against an eligible opponent.
A spokesperson told UNILAD: “According to FIE Technical Rules, specifically Article t.113, a fencer is not permitted to refuse to fence another properly entered fencer for any reason. Such a refusal results in disqualification and the corresponding sanctions. This policy exists to maintain fair competition standards and preserve the sport’s integrity.”
USA Fencing also referred to its 2023 policy regarding transgender and non-binary athletes, which was designed to make the sport more inclusive.
“The policy is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports. We respect the viewpoints on all sides and encourage our members to continue sharing them with us as the matter evolves.”
The organization urged respectful discussion, both in tournaments and online, stating that “progress comes through dialogue based in evidence.”
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