The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports has intensified in recent months.
What was once hailed as a step forward for inclusivity is now drawing growing resistance. More female athletes are speaking out, expressing concerns about fairness—and some are taking a stand by refusing to compete. A powerful example of this shift unfolded on Friday, April 4, when a prominent incident made headlines.
Abigail Wilson was set to compete in the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s Music City Open in Nashville, Tennessee.
However, rather than take the field against transgender athlete Natalie Ryan, Wilson made the bold decision to withdraw from the tournament, making a clear statement without saying a word.
This incident mirrors a recent controversy involving 31-year-old fencer Stephanie Turner, who also declined to compete against a transgender opponent. Her decision came at a steep cost—she was issued a black card, the sport’s most severe penalty, for refusing to face an athlete deemed “eligible” under current regulations.
Natalie Ryan has found herself at the center of ongoing controversy, particularly after a headline-grabbing moment in 2022 when she eliminated the top-ranked female disc golfer in a major tournament. Her presence in the women’s division has reignited fierce debate over fairness, eligibility, and the integrity of female sports.
That controversy resurfaced on April 4, during the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s Music City Open in Nashville, Tennessee, where competitor Abigail Wilson made a powerful public stand.
In a video posted to Instagram, Wilson is seen stepping onto the course as her name is called. She prepares to make her throw—then pauses. Holding the disc in her hand, she turns to address the crowd and delivers a bold message:
“Females must be protected in our division. This is unfair. I refuse to play.”
Accompanying the video was a heartfelt message explaining her decision:
“Today I chose not to compete at the Music City Open. Women deserve to have their gender-protected division upheld. This is unjust.
I’ve worked incredibly hard to reach this level in the DGPT, but I believe stepping away from competition is a sacrifice worth making—if it means paving the way for a better future for women, daughters, nieces, and the sport itself.”
Wilson’s decision was not only rooted in her beliefs about fairness in competition but also concerns over personal safety. She revealed that she had requested an earlier tee time due to anxiety over protests and the threat of violence—concerns sparked by past incidents at similar events.
“I made this decision today because I was feeling anxious about competing alongside an openly transgender player on tour, especially with the planned protests this year and the threats of violence from last year’s event.”
According to Wilson, Disc Golf Pro Tour staff denied her request for accommodations. Though they promised safety measures—such as bag checks, police, and security—she claimed none were present upon her arrival:
“There was no police presence, no visible security, and I was allowed into the venue without even showing my credentials. There were absolutely no safety protocols in place.”
This moment echoes the recent case of fencer Stephanie Turner, who was penalized with a black card—the sport’s harshest disciplinary action—after refusing to compete against a transgender opponent deemed eligible by governing rules.
As these cases emerge, they continue to fuel a national conversation about the intersection of gender identity, fairness, safety, and women’s rights in competitive sports.
“Today, I likely ended my career—but that’s alright,” Abigail Wilson said, her voice steady with conviction. “Because this issue is bigger than myself.”
Following her protest at the Music City Open, Wilson shared that she had also been warned of possible disciplinary action.
“They did a poor job ensuring our safety after the threat was reported,” she said. “At one point, I remarked, ‘It’s quite uncomfortable for all of us women to compete with him.’”
“A Disc Golf Pro Tour staff member warned me that if I misgendered him again, I would face penalties and be removed from the tour—even though he claimed he didn’t hear me say it.”
Explaining why she ultimately stepped away, Wilson reflected on the weight of her decision:
“I couldn’t keep my head down any longer. I often joke that I throw plastic at metal chains for a living—but it’s not worth this. We shouldn’t have to go through this, as women and as professionals.”
Despite earlier concerns, Disc Golf Pro Tour CEO Jeff Spring later confirmed that Wilson would not be penalized for her protest.
“There are no consequences for Abigail’s protest today, as she did not violate any rules or policies,” Spring stated.
“We encourage all players to act according to their beliefs. Abigail is welcome to continue competing on the same level as all other players, and we wish her the best in her promising career.”