Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova 'Fuming' After Female Fencer Penalized for Refusing to Compete Against Trans Athlete

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has taken aim at USA Fencing, expressing outrage after a female fencer was penalized for refusing to compete against a transgender athlete at a recent event. The incident unfolded at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland, where fencer Stephanie Turner chose to take a knee rather than face her opponent, Redmond Sullivan. Turner was issued a black card—a severe punishment in the sport—escorted out of the venue, and made to sign a document acknowledging her penalty.

Navratilova, a vocal advocate for fairness in women’s sports, didn’t hold back. She shared her fiery response on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "This is what happens when female athletes protest! Anyone here still thinks this is fair??? I am fuming… and shame on @USAFencing, shame on you for doing this. How dare you throw women under the gender bulls--- bus!!!" Her words struck a chord, igniting debates across social media.

Backing Navratilova’s stance, former NCAA fencer Juliana Peceli also weighed in, expressing frustration over her experiences competing against male athletes identifying as women. "Female athletes dedicate our lives to our sport, only to have men take our spots, our titles, and our future," Peceli posted online, applauding Turner’s refusal to accept what she called an injustice.

USA Fencing defended its actions in a statement, explaining that its transgender and non-binary athlete policy, enacted in 2023, was designed to foster inclusivity and safe spaces in the sport. The organization emphasized that Turner’s disqualification wasn’t due to her personal views but rather her refusal to compete against an eligible participant, which violates the International Fencing Federation (FIE) rules.

The spokesperson clarified that under Article t.113 of FIE’s Technical Rules, fencers are prohibited from refusing to compete against properly entered opponents for any reason. "This policy exists to maintain fair competition standards and preserve the sport’s integrity," the statement read.

Turner, meanwhile, has described herself as a "new Republican conservative." Once a lifelong Democrat, she admitted to feeling disillusioned by what she perceives as misinformation surrounding this issue. "It was like waking up to the lies of the mainstream media," she told reporters, adding that she had "voted red down the ticket" in recent elections.

The controversy has reignited debates about fairness, inclusion, and the evolving rules in women’s sports—a topic that continues to divide opinions both on and off the field.