Transgender Fencing Win in Women’s Category Triggers Online Backlash

America’s governing body for fencing allows athletes to compete ‘in a manner consistent with their gender identity/expression.’

South Korea's Yoon Ji-su (L) competes against Japan's Misaki Emura in the women's sabre team semi-final fencing event during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 29, 2023. (Photo by WANG Zhao / AFP) Photo by WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images

Liz Kocab, a biological male identifying as a woman, is facing criticism after winning a world fencing title.

On Sunday, Oct. 22, Mr. Kocab beat 14-time world champion Marja-Liisa Someroja of Finland to win his eighth Vet World women’s championship title at the 2023 FIE Veteran Fencing World Championships in Florida. He won in the 70-plus age category. The win triggered a backlash online.