Stephanie Turner Weighs Return to USA Fencing Amid Organizational Overhaul
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Stephanie Turner, the competitive fencer who sparked nationwide debate by protesting the participation of a transgender athlete in women’s fencing competitions, has expressed cautious optimism about returning to USA Fencing after a tumultuous year of organizational changes. Turner’s protest, which involved kneeling during a match at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland in March 2025, led to her disqualification and a 12-month probation, marking the last time she competed under the USA Fencing banner.
Since then, USA Fencing has undergone significant scrutiny, including a congressional hearing that highlighted the contentious issue of transgender inclusion in women’s sports. The organization has faced multiple lawsuits challenging its policies and has since revised its gender eligibility rules to restrict women’s competitions to female athletes only. In addition to policy changes, the group replaced its board chair and publicly committed to regaining the trust of athletes and fans after a year marked by controversy.
Turner, who has since become a prominent advocate for women’s sports, testified before the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) subcommittee on transgender athletes, emphasizing the need for clear protections in female sports categories. Despite the changes at USA Fencing, Turner remains skeptical about the sincerity of the recent leadership overhaul. “This change of leadership at USA Fencing is merely a game of musical chairs. These board members are cut from the same woke cloth and, without a watchful eye, they will resort to the same policies that got them a congressional hearing in the first place,” Turner told Fox News Digital.
She added that she prefers to wait until ongoing lawsuits and internal disputes settle before considering a return to competition. “Due to the ongoing lawsuits, I prefer to return when the dust settles,” she said.
USA Fencing responded by affirming its openness to athletes who meet current membership and competition requirements, emphasizing its commitment to fostering “a safe, respectful and positive environment for everyone involved in the sport.” The organization’s statement to Fox News Digital reflects an effort to balance inclusivity with the evolving landscape of gender policies in athletics.
Turner’s activism has resonated beyond the fencing community, contributing to a broader national conversation on transgender participation in women’s sports. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee recently announced a policy barring transgender women from women’s sports, a move Turner praised as “common sense prevailing.” This policy shift aligns with ongoing debates at the federal level, where lawmakers continue to grapple with balancing fairness, safety, and inclusion.
As Turner continues her advocacy, she has called for further leadership changes within USA Fencing, pushing for resignations of officials whose public comments she described as “harassing and meant to silence.” Her stance underscores the deep divisions within sports organizations as they navigate complex social and legal challenges.
For now, the future of Turner’s competitive career remains uncertain, hinging on how USA Fencing and the broader sports community address the intersection of gender identity and athletic competition. Meanwhile, the organization’s efforts to rebuild trust and clarify policies will be closely watched by athletes, advocates, and policymakers alike.
More information on USA Fencing’s policies and the ongoing legal landscape can be found at the official USA Fencing website, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and congressional records available through the U.S. Congress. For updates on federal hearings related to transgender athletes, the Department of Government Efficiency provides detailed transcripts and reports.
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