Female Fencer Disqualified After Refusing Match With Transgender Athlete

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/cycling/female-fencer-disqualified-after-refusing-match-with-transgender-athlete/ar-AA1Cbes2?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=14e394ffd29a4027ad8e7f229a7dde46&ei=2

Story by Andrew Stanton (2 April 2025)

A female fencer was disqualified from competing in a match over the weekend after refusing to compete against a transgender athlete.

USA Fencing confirmed in a statement to Newsweek that Turner had been disqualified over the incident. The statement says that her refusal to compete against Sullivan violates International Fencing Federation rules prohibiting fencers from refusing to compete against another fencer.

"USA Fencing's responsibility is to ensure that all athletes, regardless of their personal positions, compete under the same rules established by our international federation. According to the FIE (International Fencing Federation) Technical Rules, specifically Article t.113, a fencer is not permitted to refuse to fence another properly entered fencer for any reason," the statement reads.

It continues: "Under these rules, such a refusal results in disqualification and the corresponding sanctions. This policy exists to maintain fair competition standards and preserve the sport's integrity."

USA Fencing said that Turner was not disqualified "related to any personal statement," but that the decision was "merely the direct result of her decision to decline to fence an eligible opponent, which the FIE rules clearly prohibit."

"USA Fencing is obligated to follow the letter of those rules and ensure that participants respect the standards set at the international level. We remain committed to inclusivity within our sport while also upholding every requirement dictated by our governing body," the statement reads.

All of these athletes who forfeit or become disqualified for refusal to compete have one thing in common:  they didn't win.

In English we have a word for people who don't win: LOSERS.

As a former competitive fencer, I found this article to be incomplete and a little misleading. Yes, if you refuse to bout someone in your pool you are disqualified. So USFA followed the correct procedure.

But the article does not mention that at some tournaments men and women fence each other. Fencing is one of the sports where muscle strength is not a deciding factor as to who is the better fencer. The article did not go into enough details on either fencer. Like how long ago and at what age did Redmond Sullivan transition, or what the rating of the two fencers where.

I think the article was written just to stroke the fires on the topic of transgender athletes.

Ellen

Éowyn is disappointed.

Quote from: Devlyn on April 03, 2025, 11:28:29 AMÉowyn is disappointed.

Lol, that made me giggle.

PSA: Please, kids, don't try this at home. These are professional actors.

If someone misgenders you, do not attempt to stab them in the face with a sword.

(No matter how much they might deserve it.)