Fencer expelled for not facing transgender rival

A fencer was disqualified from a United States women's foil event for refusing to compete against a transgender opponent in an incident that has gone viral online.

- 

WASHINGTON - A fencer was disqualified from a United States women's foil event for refusing to compete against a transgender opponent in an incident that has gone viral online.

The situation unfolded at the Cherry Blossom tournament at the University of Maryland on March 30 at College Park, Maryland in suburban Washington.

Stephanie Turner, who competes for the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, took a knee rather than compete against Redmond Sullivan of Iconic Fencing Club in a pool match.

Turner, 31, who had fought four previous bouts in the competition, was disqualified under International Fencing Federation rules barring fencers for not competing.