Riley Gaines sides with Martina Navratilova in trans fencing debate

Former swimmer Riley Gaines has once again made her voice heard in the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes competing in women’s sports . This time, she’s followed in the footsteps of tennis legend Martina Navratilova , lending her full support to fencer Stephanie Turner, who recently made headlines for her refusal to compete against a transgender opponent, Redmond Sullivan, at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland. The 31 year-old Turner decided to forfeit the match by taking a knee in protest, a gesture that has drawn praise from Gaines, who made waves herself as an outspoken critic of the NCAA’s policies after competing against trans swimmer Lia Thomas .

EXCLUSIVE: Trans fencer's team slam 'behavior' of kneeling opponent despite Martina Navratilova rage USA Fencing stands by trans athlete after female opponent takes knee and disqualified "Stephanie Turner is a heroine in my eyes," Gaines stated during her appearance on America's Newsroom. "Isn't it amazing how simply this can be explained? The other side likes to say this is complex. It’s not.



This is about fairness." For Gaines, Turner’s actions represent a powerful stand against what she sees as the NCAA’s continued disregard for women’s rights in sports. "The NCAA has continued to deceive the American people, and they’ve deceived President Trump in this,” Gaines stated.

She then went further, expressing frustration over the NCAA’s policies, which she believes are undermining women’s sports by allowing men to compete in women’s categories. “The NCAA is repeatedly rewarding the replacement of women in order to champion men and women's sport, which is exactly why myself and about 19 other plaintiffs are suing the NCAA.” Turner made the decision to forfeit her match with Sullivan after reviewing the competition pools the night before the event and realizing she would be facing a transgender athlete.

According to Turner, she had read about Sullivan in an article from the previous year, which helped her make up her mind. She recalled the moment vividly, saying: "I knew what I had to do because USA Fencing had not been listening to women's objections regarding [its gender eligibility policy]. I took a knee immediately at that point.

Redmond was under the impression that I was going to start fencing. So, when I took the knee, I looked at the ref, and I said, ‘I’m sorry, I cannot do this. I am a woman, and this is a man.

And this is a women's tournament. And I will not fence this individual.’" Don't Miss Transgender athlete battles backlash after winning 400m race by almost 10 seconds Transgender students banned from competing in girls sports by government Imane Khelif makes promise to Donald Trump as Olympics gender row boxer hits back Despite the act of protest, Turner was penalized for refusing to compete, receiving a black card — the most severe penalty in the sport — which resulted in her ejection from the tournament.

USA Fencing , however, said that Turner wasn’t penalized for her stance on transgender inclusion but rather for her refusal to compete. Turner’s act of protest has stirred significant discussion within the sports community and beyond, with Gaines and Navratilova also voicing their support for Turner’s decision..