Fencer Stephanie Turner received the Victory Champion Award for her choice not to compete against a transgender athlete last week.
xx-xy track and field report Turner disclosed on Monday that she was honored with the award, as reported by Fox News.
“Taking a stand made her stronger than men. She stood firm in the battle for women’s sports,” XX-XY Athletics founder Jennifer Sey stated. “She is truly a hero.”
Turner chose not to compete against a transgender athlete at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland last week and instead decided to kneel. A video of the incident gained widespread attention online.
USA Fencing quickly took action against Turner for her refusal to compete with her trans opponent, issuing a statement justifying their actions and a policy requiring women to face men who identify as transgender women.
“USA Fencing remains dedicated to promoting an inclusive and respectful community for everyone involved in our sport. We aim to create a safe space where all athletes and community members belong,” the organization’s statement mentioned.
“We acknowledge that there are a variety of viewpoints, but USA Fencing will persist in engaging in respectful, research-driven discussions and reviews as policies pertaining to the Olympic and Paralympic movements and domestic laws evolve. Any form of hate speech is intolerable.
USA Fencing Chairman Damien Lehfelt also firmly supported individuals identifying as women competing in women’s categories.
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