Trans fencer's team issues statement after punishment confirmed for opponent who refused to face her
A transgender woman's fencing club has spoken out after her opponent refused to compete against her.
The Cherry Blossom Open fencing event in Maryland has made headlines this week after transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan saw her match cancelled as her opponent refused to compete.
Stephanie Turner was due to face Sullivan at the event and, although she never had any intention of competing in the match, she decided to wait until moments before it got underway to take a knee in protest and refuse to continue.
Shortly after, Turner was expelled from the tournament by USA Fencing board members, and reminded of the association's transgender policy. But now, Sullivan's fencing club has spoken out to give their view on the incident.
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In response to her decision to refuse to face Sullivan as a protest to transgender athletes competing in the tournament, Turner received a black card, the most severe penalty in the sport, which led to her expulsion from the event.
Turner has since spoken out to say that, although she respects Sullivan as a person, she stands by her decision, prompting a response from Sullivan's team, Iconic Fencing Club.
"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."
In an interview with FOX News, Turner further explained why she decided to take the punishment for refusing to fence, stating: "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."
Misgendering her competitor, Turner added: "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'."
USA Fencing also explained the organisations views of transgender athletes competing in the sport in a statement given to FOX News.
It read: "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.
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Ben McCrum