Fencer Stephanie Turner Hails Trump's Women's Sports Order as Team USA Updates Policy

In a striking turn of events, women’s fencer Stephanie Turner, who made headlines with her protest against a transgender competitor at a USA Fencing event in March, has expressed profound relief and gratitude following a significant policy shift by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The updated guidelines, aligning with President Donald Trump’s "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports" executive order, mark a pivotal moment for Turner and many others advocating for fairness in women’s athletics.

Turner, who knelt in protest during the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland, faced personal turmoil and disqualification for her stance. Yet, she stands firm, telling us she’d "absolutely" repeat her actions. "This has been a huge hindrance to my life, emotionally and personally," she admitted, but the policy change feels like a long-overdue victory. Her appreciation for Trump’s swift action is palpable—she voted for him largely on this issue and is thrilled to see results so early in his administration.

However, Turner isn’t fully satisfied with the pace of change, calling the delay "disappointing." Beyond the policy update, she and her advocacy group, the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), are pushing for mandatory sex screening protocols like karyotyping to ensure fair competition. "You can’t rely on documentation anymore," Turner emphasized, highlighting the ease of altering records like birth certificates.

The ripple effects of her viral protest have been immense—from a federal hearing on transgender participation in women’s sports to internal lawsuits within USA Fencing’s leadership. Turner’s actions have sparked a broader conversation about equity and safety in athletics, with ICONS urging the U.S. to lead globally in protecting women’s sports. Reflecting on her opponent, Redmond Sullivan, Turner clarified her protest was never personal but rooted in policy flaws. "I’m angry at the enablers who allowed this to persist," she stated, hoping for understanding and fairness moving forward.

As the dust settles on this latest development, Turner’s story remains a powerful reminder of the intersection of sports, policy, and personal conviction. The fight for what she believes is a level playing field continues, but this week’s news feels like a significant step in the right direction.