Rhianna Benson
Following her expulsion from a USA Fencing tournament for refusing to compete against a transgender athlete, Stephanie Turner has spoken out.
Turner was scheduled to take on trans fencer Redmond Sullivan in Maryland over the weekend for the Cherry Blossom Open, but instead, opted to take the knee in protest.
Footage from the controversial moment has since gone viral, being viewed over 4 million times.
In the clips, Turner could be tearing ripping off her fencing mask and tossing it away before kneeling before Sullivan, who herself appeared visibly shocked by the move.
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Turner's protest has greatly divided fans of the sport, many of whom have slammed organisers for the 'massive punishment' they've handed her by throwing her out of the games.
The decision has also been branded by many as an 'injustice'.
Turner has since spoken to press about her decision.
Speaking live on television to FOX News, she began: "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.
Continuing to misgender Sullivan, Turner continued: "I am a woman and I have an athletic disadvantage to men."
In another interview given to the news outlet, Turner added further detail: "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."
Turner claimed her opponent initially didn't hear her explanation, and was under the impression that an injury might have prevented her from fencing.
"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'."
Such was subsequently the case, with Turner being escorted to the board to explain her decision.
She claims she was then handed a copy of the association's transgender policy, asked to sign a document acknowledging her punishment, and escorted away from the venue.
USA Fencing later 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."
Sullivan's team, Iconic Fencing Club, told the Daily Express US in a statement: "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."