An American fencing star has revealed she fears being targeted for her views after refusing to face a transgender opponent.
Stephanie Turner had been due to face Redmond Sullivan at the University of Maryland in America at the Cherry Blossom tournament.
However, instead of competing, Turner decided to take a knee in protest.
The 31-year-old was subsequently disqualified and shown a black card, which is usually reserved for bad behaviour or unsporting conduct.
American fencing star Stephanie Turner fears being targeted for her views after refusing to face a transgender opponent
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Turner later said that she did so because 'USA Fencing had not been listening to women's objections'.
Furthermore, the fencer said that her opponent was a 'man' competing in a 'women's tournament'.
Now, speaking to the Daily Mail, Turner has revealed she fears for her future in the sport due to her thoughts on the matter.
When asked about reaching out to the governing body, she said: "I was like, I don't even want to reach out because if I do, then I won't ever have a fair bout in my life.
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"There are a lot of people who are for this [trans athletes in women's sports] who are referees.
"I would lose favour within the sight of referees and I could end up with a biased bout.
"I could lose friends who I don't know what their position is on this.
"So what I was doing already was just avoiding tournaments where I knew there was a transgender fencer.
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Female fencer takes knee instead of competing against biological male
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) April 2, 2025
USA Fencing disqualifies & expels her from the college tournament, even though her male opponent played for the men’s team last year before switching to women’s
How is this legal?!pic.twitter.com/knTIze5Gwa
"But at this point, what else should I do? Should I just not sign up for any tournaments? I have no other options."
Turner has also alleged that USA Fencing officials like Damien Lehfeldt are actively in favour of trans athletes being able to compete against biological women.
Lehfeldt insists he's open to a debate, however, providing it's 'polite and cordiol'.
"I'd encourage you to reach out to our own members and you will find a common theme of polite and cordial discussion with me regarding a very complex topic," he told the same publication.
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"I always welcome a nuanced and respectful debate, and that includes Ms. Turner.
"Ms. Turner is welcome to her opinions. That’s the beauty of discourse. We can come to the table and agree to disagree."
USA Fencing added in a statement: "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.
American fencing star Stephanie Turner took the knee in protest after refusing to face a transgender opponent
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"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.
"We understand that the conversation on equity and inclusion pertaining to transgender participation in sport is evolving.
"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 & Paralympic movement."
