In a notable development within the fencing community, Stephanie Turner, a 31-year-old fencer from the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, was disqualified from the Cherry Blossom Open tournament in Maryland after refusing to compete against transgender opponent Redmond Sullivan. Turner’s protest, which involved kneeling before the match, has ignited significant debate regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. She expressed concerns about fairness and potential repercussions within the fencing community. According to USA Fencing rules, declining to fence a qualified opponent results in automatic expulsion. This incident underscores the ongoing discussions and differing perspectives on the participation of transgender athletes in competitive sports. ​