Mixed feelings. I support the woman who took a knee and refused to fence against a man. This event had separate male and female categories and that should be respected.

However as I think I have ranted about previously, I have a son who got into fencing and went to Nationals twice. And in Nationals and Regionals men and women are separated. However in local tournaments, they are not separated. Women do just fine, although the men usually win but there is no danger because of size or strength differences. The men may benefit from being a little quicker but not by much. You’re not running a sprint so speed is not a big enough factor to make it unfair.

However if there are two different divisions you have to go to the one your genitalia dictates.