Female fencer who took knee against trans opponent given massive reward for controversial act

The female fencer who refused to compete against a transgender opponent has received an award and a payday for taking a stance.

Stephanie Turner was set to face transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan at a USA Fencing tournament on March 30.

But Turner took a knee in protest and said she wouldn't be competing in her bout at the University of Maryland.

As a result, she was shown a black card and informed she would not be allowed to compete in the women's foil tournament.

USA Fencing, which enacted its transgender and non-binary policy in 2023, said: "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.

"USA Fencing will always err on the side of inclusion, and we're committed to amending the policy as more relevant evidence-based research emerges, or as policy changes take effect in the wider Olympic and Paralympic movement."

Stephanie Turner was shown a black card after taking a knee. Image: Getty

On her decision to take a knee, Turner said: "I saw that I was going to be in a pool with Redmond, and from there I said: 'OK, let's do it. I'm going to take the knee'.

"I knew what I had to do because USA Fencing had not been listening to women's objections regarding [its gender eligibility policy]."

XX-XY Athletics, which calls itself the 'only brand that stands up for women's sports', have awarded Turner with the Courage Wins Award and announced she would receive a prize of $5,000.

Stephanie Turner took a knee against Redmond Sullivan. Image: Wagner Athletics

In a press release, XX-XY founder Jennifer Sey said: "By taking a knee, she became more powerful than any male. She stood her ground to fight for women's sports. She's a hero."

She added: "We aim to take the sting out of monetary cancelation and platform these women and bring them on board. They have community. They have support. They will not stand alone."

Turner - of the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia - has competed in more than 200 fencing matches, including the national championships.

As for Sullivan, of Wagner College, she has won 18 of her 45 previous clashes. She placed 24th out of the 39 fencers at the Maryland event.