The refusal happened at a regional tournament held by United States Fencing Association (USFA) at the University of Maryland.
Stephanie Turner (kneeling above) told Fox News Channel that she noticed she would be fencing against a man when she was checking the online registration as part of her pre competition ritual.
"On the registration list I saw Redmond Sullivan's name listed there and I recognized this individual from a previous article that had been written saying that this person was a man who had previously competed on the men's team at Wagner (College) and was now competing as a woman within the USFA,” she said.
Turner, pictured said she was "disappointed with USFA and the tournament."
"I just felt like at a loss I'd already committed so much money to it and training hours, and I was literally looking forward to this. I think this may be like my 10th year in a row doing this tournament, and I just got really sad, and I started crying because this was like the last thing I wanted to deal with in my in my competition."
When an official approached her to ask if she was refusing to compete, Turner said yes, "because this person is a man, and I am a woman and this is a women's tournament, and I refuse to fence on principle."
No, it's not an injury
The male competitor then approached to inquire as to whether Turner might be injured, and she made a similar remark to him.
"I'm a woman, and you are a man. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not compete against you."
The two athletes could be seen exchanging words for several moments before a referee eventually approached and dealt Turner a black card – in essence branding her with unsportsmanlike behavior.
In a statement, USA Fencing said Turner’s elimination was the result of her decision not to fence “an eligible opponent.”
The sport’s current policy was adopted in 2023, it said. The sport’s officials have no choice but to comply, they said.
“USA Fencing is obligated to follow the letter of those rules and ensure that participants respect the standards set at the international level,” the statement said.
Still, Turner said there is nothing there that supports or promotes women.
"I have no choice as a woman as a female in where I compete. I'm a woman, and I have an athletic disadvantage to men so I compete in the women's division which is where I rightfully am, but he's been given this opportunity to fence in the women's division, and he can easily compete in the men's division."
Here's a thought
"He could also compete at mixed events in local tournaments if he wants. There is a place for him so the idea that they're creating, they're expanding the women's is just essentially making it an open tournament that can include them, and it ends up hurting me and other girls."
Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines (shown above) has come out in support of Turner. So has former tennis star Martina Navratilova. She put out this statement saying, "This is what happens when female athletes protest. Anyone here still think this is fair? I am fuming and shame on USA Fencing. Shame on you for doing this."
