There has been significant debate lately regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. What was once celebrated as a victory for inclusivity is now facing pushback.
More female athletes are increasingly voicing their concerns and choosing not to compete against transgender competitors. A notable incident occurred on Friday, April 4.
Abigail Wilson was scheduled to participate in the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s Music City Open in Nashville, Tennessee. Instead of competing against transgender athlete Natalie Ryan, she opted to withdraw from the event.
This situation echoes a recent case involving Stephanie Turner, a 31-year-old fencer who also refused to compete against a transgender athlete. She faced harsh penalties, including a black card for not competing against what was deemed an ‘eligible athlete.’
Natalie Ryan has been at the center of controversy, especially after she eliminated the top-ranked female disc golfer in a 2022 tournament.
In a video shared on Instagram, Abigail Wilson is seen walking onto the course as her name is announced. She begins to throw the disc but then keeps it in her hand and addresses the crowd, declaring: “Females must be protected in our division. This is unfair. I refuse to play.”
Accompanying the video was a message explaining her decision. She stated: “Today I chose not to compete at the Music City Open. Women deserve to have their gender-protected division upheld. This is unjust.
NEW: Female disc golfer Abigail Wilson storms off, refuses to compete against a transgender opponent.
Good for her.
Wilson took a stand for Women’s sports and was heard lashing out to the crowd as she walked away.
“Females must be protected in our division. This is unfair. I… pic.twitter.com/kYZA6q7s6R
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 6, 2025
“I have put in tremendous effort to reach this level in the DGPT, but I believe that sacrificing my career and hard work is worthwhile if it helps create a better future for other women, daughters, nieces, and the sport as a whole.”
If you believe it’s unjust for biological males to compete in female-designated sports divisions, now is the moment to voice your concerns and stand firm.
Recommended Article
“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.
“During a conversation with a member of the DGPT staff yesterday, they made it clear that they wouldn’t accommodate my request for an earlier tee time due to my safety concerns on the course. They assured me there would be bag checks, police, and security present at the event. However, upon my arrival this morning, I noticed there was no security or police presence, and I was allowed entry without my credentials. There were absolutely no security measures in place.
“Today, I likely ended my career, but that’s alright because this issue is larger than myself.”
Later, Wilson mentioned that she faced a threat of penalty.
She stated, “They did a poor job of ensuring our safety during the event when this threat was reported. I remarked, ‘It’s quite uncomfortable for all of us women to compete with him.’
“After I used the word ‘him,’ a Disc Golf staff member warned me that if I misgendered him again, I would face penalties and be removed from the tour, claiming he didn’t hear me say that.”
Wilson elaborated on her choice to leave. “I couldn’t continue to keep my head down. I often say that I throw plastic at metal chains for a living, and it’s not worth all of this. We shouldn’t have to endure this as women and as professionals.”
Jeff Spring, the CEO of the Disc Golf Pro Tour, stated that Wilson would not face any penalties since no rules were broken.
He commented, “There are no consequences for Abigail’s protest today, as she did not violate any rules or policies.
“We encourage all players to act according to their beliefs. Abigail is welcome to compete on the same level as all other players, and we wish her the best in her promising career.”
