Female fencer’s award after refusing to play against transgender opponent revealed.
Stephanie Turner was meant to compete—until she made a move that split the internet in two.
Shocking fencing incident exposed.
The 31-year-old fencer shocked a crowd in North Carolina by taking a knee before her match even began.
Turner’s refusal came during a USA Fencing-sanctioned tournament on March 30 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Her opponent, Redmond Sullivan, competes with the University of Maryland and is a recognized trans woman.
Facing 20-year-old transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan, Turner removed her mask and refused to engage.
“I’m sorry, but I will not fence you,” Turner reportedly told Sullivan in a quiet but firm protest.
“You’re a man, and I’m a woman. This is a women’s tournament,” she continued, according to reports.
Turner claimed her refusal was not rooted in hate, but in “physical safety” concerns.
Fencer’s punishment confirmed.
Referees handed her a black card, fencing’s harshest punishment, symbolizing complete disqualification.
USA Fencing told UNILAD that Turner wasn’t punished for her statement—but for refusing a match.
“Fencers may not refuse to compete against any properly entered athlete for any reason,” a rep said.
The Fencing Academy of Philadelphia did not publicly condemn her but made no statement of support.
Article t.113 of the International Fencing Federation rules backs up the disqualification.
The governing body insists their policy aims to “maintain fair competition standards.”
USA Fencing added they’re “committed to inclusion” but open to “evidence-based research” on this evolving issue.
“We expect respectful dialogue—on the piste and online,” they emphasized in a pointed statement.
Turner, meanwhile, has doubled down on her decision, citing concerns about safety and fairness.
Turner’s protest spiraled online, gaining traction among conservative circles and athletic advocacy groups.
Her supporters argue she’s standing up for women’s sports. Critics say it’s discriminatory.
Fencer’s award explained.
Now, she’s being rewarded—literally. And the number on the check? Five thousand dollars.
The award comes courtesy of XX-XY Athletics, a controversial campaign group promoting single-sex sports.
Their mission? “Sex matters,” the group says, arguing that biological males shouldn’t compete in women’s sports.
Turner received their “Courage Wins Award” for what founder Jennifer Sey called a “heroic stance.”
Sey added, “She became more powerful than any male when she took that knee.”
The prize includes entry into the group’s leadership program and public endorsement on their platforms.
Turner’s story is now being held up as a symbolic moment in the ongoing gender-in-sports debate.
But what led to this viral moment has deep roots. And Turner’s not the first athlete to draw that line.
In 2023, volleyball player Sia Liilii boycotted a game after learning the opposing team had a trans athlete.
She was the previous recipient of the Courage Wins Award, igniting a media storm of her own.
XX-XY Athletics says their aim is to support athletes who suffer “monetary cancellation” for their views.
Turner isn’t backing down.
What’s undeniable is that her decision—whether principled or prejudiced—has turned her into a symbol.
And with $5,000 in her pocket and a headline-grabbing moment behind her, Stephanie Turner isn’t backing down.