Trans fencer's team issues statement after opponent is punished for taking knee and refusing to face her
Rhianna Benson
Featured Image Credit: Wagner Athletics/X/icons_women
After her fencing opponent refused to compete against her over the weekend, transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan's team has spoken out.
The athlete was scheduled to take on fellow sports star Stephanie Turner at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland, but was left in shock when Turner instead took the knee in protest.
In footage that has since gone viral, Sullivan's opponent could be seen removing her fencing mask before tossing it away.
Minutes later, Turner was expelled from the tournament by USA Fencing board members, after being handed a copy of the association's transgender policy. She was also asked to sign a document acknowledging her punishment, and escorted from the building.
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Turner has since spoken out over the incident, telling FOX News: "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 went on to explain that Sullivan initially didn't hear her explanation, approaching to ask if she'd sustained an injury.
Misgendering her competitor, Turner continued: "He doesn't understand what's happening. 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'."
Sullivan's team, Iconic Fencing Club, has also addressed the incident.
"Red has followed every rule and guideline set forth by the FIE (the international fencing governing organisation) and USA Fencing (the national organisation)," her representatives told the Daily Express US in a statement.
"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 also told FOX News 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."