Fencer who was punished for taking knee reveals warning trans opponent gave her before she refused to face her
Prior to her expulsion from a fencing tournament over the weekend, Stephanie Turner says her transgender opponent attempted to warn her what might happen if she refused to compete.
The athlete was scheduled to take on trans fencer Redmond Sullivan at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland over the weekend.
Prior to the fight, however, Turner removed her fencing mask, tossing it away before taking the knee.
The controversial move was made in response to the allowance of transgender athletes in women's sport competitions.
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Within minutes, Turner was escorted to the board and asked to explain her decision.
She was subsequently handed a copy of the association's transgender policy, and asked to sign a document acknowledging her punishment.
Turner has since spoken to press about the controversy, telling FOX News while misgendering Sullivan: "There's nothing for me and there's everything for him", referring to Sullivan without her preferred pronouns.
"Because I have no choice as a woman, as a female, in where I compete. I am a woman and I have an athletic disadvantage to men."
Reflecting on the incident, she went on to reveal that Sullivan had attempted to warn her of the possible repercussions.
"He doesn't understand what's happening," she added. "He asks, 'Are you OK?', And I said, 'I’m sorry. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you.'
"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 blackcarded', and I said, 'I know'."
She continued: "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."
Her opponent's team - Iconic Fencing Club - has since 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."
USA Fencing later told FOX News of the incident: "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."
Rhianna Benson