"When Female Athletes Protest, This Happens"…Fencing Player's Black Card Controversy After Forfeiting Match

Forfeiting the Match Against a Transgender Opponent at the Start
Protesting the 'Gender Eligibility Policy' for Women

A female fencing athlete in the United States sparked controversy by refusing to compete against a transgender athlete.

On the 6th, American media outlets such as CNN and Fox News reported on an incident that occurred on the 30th of last month at the Cherry Blossom Tournament women's division held in Maryland, USA.

Stephanie Turner (31), who participated in the tournament, took off her mask and knelt down to forfeit the match immediately after the bout against Redmond Sullivan began.

At the time, Turner reportedly told the referee, "This is a women's competition. I am a woman, and my opponent is a man, so I refuse to compete." Sullivan is a transgender athlete who transitioned from the men's team to the women's team at Wagner College last year.

Ultimately, Turner was disqualified after receiving a black card from the referee.

On the 30th of last month (local time), at a fencing competition held in Maryland, USA, Stephanie Turner is seen kneeling and indicating her intention to forfeit the match against transgender woman Redmond Sullivan. [Image source=Captured from X (formerly Twitter)]

Immediately after the match, Turner stated on social media that she had previously avoided competitions where transgender fencers participated due to safety concerns. However, she said she learned of Sullivan's participation late for this tournament and, after checking the match schedule the day before, had planned to kneel in protest if she had to face Sullivan.

Turner expressed that she showed the utmost respect to Sullivan. She said, "I told Redmond, 'I love and respect you, but I will not fence against you. I'm sorry.'"

She added, "I chose this method because the United States Fencing Association did not listen to women's voices regarding the 'gender eligibility policy.'"

She continued, "I have been a lifelong Democrat and have not hated sexual minorities, but after facing the issue of including transgender athletes in women's sports, I became a supporter of the Republican Party," and further stated, "I fully support President Donald Trump in preventing transgender athletes from participating in women's sports."

The video of Turner forfeiting the match has garnered over 4 million views online. Subsequently, there was public criticism regarding the black card given to Turner.

Legendary tennis star Martina Navratilova criticized, "This is what happens when a female athlete protests," and said, "The United States Fencing Association should be ashamed."

Former NCAA fencer Juliana Pescelly also defended Turner, stating, "I had to compete against men who claim to be women," and pointed out, "Female athletes dedicate their lives to sports, but transgender women have taken away our places and futures."