Martina Navratilova slams transgender athlete's inclusion in women's fencing team after controversial decision from Wagner College

Tennis legend and women's rights advocate Martina Navratilova has expressed her dissatisfaction with Wagner College's recent controversial decision. The college allowed a transgender male athlete, Redmond Sullivan, to join the female fencing team.

Sullivan, who has competed in both male and female categories previously, clinched the gold medal in the Junior Women's Foil event at the Connecticut Division Junior Olympic Qualifier.

Transgender participation in women's sports has been a contentious issue for some time. Supporters advocate for equal rights and inclusivity, while critics argue that physiological differences can lead to unfair competition.

Wagner College's policy, which aligns with Title IX's aim to prevent sex discrimination, has placed the institution at the heart of this contentious discussion.

Navratilova, known for her firm stance against transgender inclusion in women's sports, believes it compromises the integrity of female competitions. Her recent social media commentary reflects her frustration. On December 11, 2024, Navratilova took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her opinion, writing:

"And again..."

Earlier this year, Martina Navratilova expressed that women's sports should not become a fallback option for male athletes who have struggled to succeed in their categories. She stressed that women's competitions should not act as a stage for "failed male athletes."

"And I will keep saying this as nauseum until the rules change- women’s sports are not a place for failed male athletes," Navratilova posted on X (formerly Twitter).

---

Martina Navratilova pushes back against 'TERF' label for her stance on women’s sports

Martina Navratilova during the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards press conference (Image source: Getty)

Martina Navratilova has remained steadfast in her stance on barring transgender individuals from competing in women’s sports, despite being labeled a 'Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist.'

Responding to a user on X who noted that less than 2% of the U.S. population identifies as transgender or nonbinary, she defended her viewpoint, writing:

"How many trans-identified males winning against biological girls and women would be too many for you?"

When the user went on to criticize her position and referred to her as a 'TERF,' the 18-time Grand Slam champion clarified that her advocacy is focused on safeguarding the interests of women.

"So...today I learned that a woman I used to admire is a TERF. Imagine voting for the downfall of the United States b/c you're afraid of trans women in sports when trans folks are such a teeny % of our population," the user wrote.

"Really? Call me what you want- I will keep fighting for women and girls for our own sex based spaces . I am a female inclusionary feminist. This is not about trans anything. This is about the right to privacy, safety and fairness. For females," Martina Navratilova replied.

Martina Navratilova recently lauded the LTA's ban on transgender women in female-only categories at UK tennis events and urged the USTA and global tennis bodies to follow suit.