Women’s disc golfer refuses to compete against trans rival as video shows her storming off the tournament

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Female athletes are increasingly speaking out against inclusion of transgenders in women's sports, with some even refusing to compete in events.

On Friday, April 4, during the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s Music City Open in Nashville, Tennessee, Abigail Wilson walked off the course rather than compete against trans athlete Natalie Ryan.

This comes after women's fencing athlete Stephanie Turner, 31, made headlines for refusing to compete against a transgender athlete. The controversy surrounding Ryan isn’t new, as reports from 2022 revealed she sparked debate after defeating the top-ranked female disc golfer Kristin Tattar.

Abigail Wilson explains why she walked off the tournament

A clip shared on Abigail Wilson’s Instagram shows her walking toward the course as the announcer calls her name. She begins to throw her disc but keeps it in her hand. Then, turning to the crowd, she says, "Females must be protected in our division. This is unfair. I refuse to play." 

The clip was accompanied by a detailed explanation of her refusal to participate in the tournament. She wrote on Instagram, “Today I refused to play at the Music City Open. Females deserve to have their gender protected division be protected. This is unfair.”

"I have worked so hard to get to this point to play on the DGPT, but the sacrifice of my career and my hard work is worth it if it means I can make a difference for other women, daughters, nieces, and the future of our sport," Wilson said.

 “If you feel how wrong it is to have biological males be competing in female-protected divisions in sports, now is the time to speak up and stand your ground,” she strongly emphasized.

“I took this stand today because I was having anxiety about playing with the openly trans player on tour because of the planned protests for this year and the threats of violence at the event last year,” the disc golfer continued.

She also revealed her conversation with DGPT staff. "After speaking with a member of the DGPT staff yesterday, they made it clear they would be unwilling to change me to an earlier tee time when regarding my fears of safety on the course. They assured me that there would be bag checks, police, and security at the event. Upon arriving this morning there was no security or police presence, I was also allowed entry even though I did not have my credentials. There were zero security precautions," she further said.

"Today I most likely ended my career, and that’s okay because this is bigger than me," Wilson added in her post.

Abigail Wilson reveals she was threatened with a penalty

According to the Daily Wire, Wilson later revealed how deeply ingrained transgender ideology was on the tour, explaining that she was threatened with a penalty. 

She began, "They did a terrible job of keeping us safe during the event when this threat was called in. I said, ‘Well, it is a very unpleasant thing that all of us women have to play with him.

She shared, “After I said the word ‘him,’ this Disc Golf staff member told me that if I misgender him again, I will be penalized and removed from the tour, and he’s going to pretend he didn’t hear me say that.” 

Wilson explained her decision to leave, stating, "I couldn’t keep putting my head down. I like to say that I throw plastic at metal chains for a living, and it’s not worth any of this. We shouldn’t have to deal with this as women, as professionals.” 

DGPT CEO declares that there will be no penalty for Abigail Wilson after she walked off

After her refusal to compete, Disc Golf Pro Tour CEO Jeff Spring stated that no penalty would be imposed on Wilson, as no violation had occurred. 

He began, “There is no consequence for Abigail’s protest today, as she violated no rules or policies.”

He said, “We encourage all players to do what they think is right. Abigail is welcome to compete on the same playing field as all other players, and we wish her the best in her young career.”

Internet hails Abigail Wilson for speaking out about fairness

After learning that Abigail Wilson walked off the competition rather than compete against a transgender athlete, several users took to the comments section of her post to praise her for her bold stand. 

One user wrote, "Way to stand up! Love to see this!!👏" Another shared, "You did not end your career, you just gained an Army of followers that will back up 💯"

One individual wrote, "We got your back. Each time a FPO player speaks out to protect your division, I know who I want my daughter to look up to. Drop a merch link if there's some way we can support you!" 

Another commenter added, "Love to see it! Let us know how we can support you!!!"

A social media user said, "Congratulations for stepping up and speaking out. You did not end your career. You were strong and an amazing example of someone for girls to look up to."

An Instagram user said, "Women deserve fairness. Fair play for women!!! Well done." Someone else shared, "Dont make it about safety, let's make it about fairness."

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