Fencer who took knee and refused to face trans opponent receives major award over controversial moment

Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the trans community which some readers may find distressing.

The fencer who took a knee and refused to face her trans opponent has received a major award over the controversial moment.

Stephanie Turner was scheduled to take on trans fencer Redmond Sullivan in Maryland last weekend for the Cherry Blossom Open, but instead, refused altogether as she could be seen ripping off her fencing mask and tossing it away before kneeling before Sullivan, who herself appeared visibly shocked by the move.

Turner's protest has greatly divided fans of the sport, some of whom have slammed organisers for the 'massive punishment' they've handed her by throwing her out of the tournament.

However, amidst the backlash online, Turner has now been awarded a $5,000 cash prize by XX-XY Athletics - which calls itself 'the only athletic brand that stands up for women's sports'.

XX-XY Athletics made the announcement on Monday (7 April) that Turner had been named as the winner for the Courage Wins Award as well as being set to received the hefty cash prize as well as admittance into a leadership program.

"By taking a knee, she became more powerful than any male. She stood her ground to fight for women's sports," XX-XY Athletics founder Jennifer Sey said in a press release. "She's a hero."

Sey continued: "We aim to take the sting out of monetary cancelation and platform these women and bring them on board. They have community. They have support. They will not stand alone."

Turner has previously spoken to press about her decision to take a knee.

Speaking to FOX News, she said: "When I took the knee, I looked at the ref and I said, 'I’m sorry, I cannot do this. I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament. And I will not fence this individual."

She continued: "Redmond says to me, 'Well you know, there is a member on the board of directors here who supports me, and there is a policy that acknowledges me as a woman, so I am allowed to fence, and you will get black carded', and I said, 'I know'."

Following Turner's protest, the fencing board later said in an official 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. 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."

The message continued: "We respect the viewpoints on all sides and encourage our members to continue sharing them with us as the matter evolves.

"It's important for the fencing community to engage in this dialogue, but we expect this conversation to be conducted respectfully, whether at our tournaments or in online spaces.

"The way to progress is by respectful discussion based in evidence."

Sullivan's team Iconic Fencing Club previously told the Daily Express US: "Red has followed every rule and guideline set forth by the FIE (the international fencing governing organisation) and USA Fencing (the national organisation).

"She has every right to compete in the events that she qualifies for, and has long since met the criteria to do so.

"Fencing is rooted in a deep tradition of honour, sportsmanship, inclusion, and respect, and in a sport that prides itself on these values, the type of behaviour expressed by Red’s opponent has no place.

"Iconic Fencing Club supports Red in her fencing journey and will continue to do so in the future."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]