September 1st 2025.
Curtis McDowald, a talented Black fencer representing the United States in the 2021 Olympics, has recently received a five-year ban from competition. This decision was made by USA Fencing after it was discovered that McDowald had repeatedly violated the organization's codes of conduct on August 29th. This is not the first time McDowald has faced disciplinary action, as he was previously suspended in 2023 due to allegations of misconduct. During that time, he reportedly kicked a banner and engaged in other concerning behaviors, potentially jeopardizing the team's chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
Unfortunately, this is not the only scandal that has rocked USA Fencing in recent years. In the lead-up to the Paris Games, there were concerns about biased refereeing and preferential treatment within the international saber fencing community. Additionally, two USA Fencing officials were suspended for communicating during an Olympic qualifying tournament. This was followed by allegations of sexual assault against fencer Alen Hadžić, who was allowed to compete as an alternate in Tokyo despite an ongoing investigation by the US Center for SafeSport. This decision sparked outrage and drew comparisons to the Larry Nassar scandal involving the USA Gymnastics team.
Following the Tokyo Olympics, USA Fencing faced further backlash after a disastrous conference call with fencing insiders. This ultimately led to the resignation of three senior officials, including Executive Director Kris Ekeren, Communications Director Nicole Jomantas, and General Counsel Jim Neale. Many were upset with the organization's handling of sexual misconduct cases, with one referee even stating that she felt constantly let down by the organization that is supposed to protect victims.
Most recently, USA Fencing has faced criticism for its involvement in a controversy surrounding trans athletes. Reports emerged that the Trump administration had instructed American consulates to deny visas for trans athletes, and this ultimately led to a 19-year-old trans woman, Red Sullivan, being at the center of a debate in Congress. Her opponent, Stephanie Turner, refused to compete against her, citing concerns about protecting women's sports. This incident has sparked further discussions about inclusivity and fairness in the sport.
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