Abigail Wilson, a professional disc golfer, made headlines recently when she walked off the course during the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s Music City Open in Nashville. Her decision came from concerns about competing alongside a trans woman, Natalie Ryan, who has been a controversial figure in the sport.
On Friday morning, as Wilson prepared to throw her disc, she suddenly turned away from the tee area, stating, “Females must be protected in our division. This is unfair. I refuse to play.” Her walk-off was a clear protest against what she perceives as an unfair competition environment for women in the sport.
The day before the event, Wilson had expressed her concerns but was reprimanded for misgendering Ryan. Ryan, who identifies as female, has faced criticism since 2022, especially after defeating top female competitor Kristin Tattar. Wilson mentioned feeling anxious about the situation, particularly due to previous protests and threats against Ryan, which had even led to the suspension of last year’s Music City Open.
Wilson reported that during her discussions with event staff, she was warned against using terms she felt were appropriate. She claimed a staff member told her that further misgendering would result in penalties, including possible removal from the tour. Despite assurances of police presence and security at the event, Wilson noted a lack of visible safety measures upon her arrival.
After her decision to walk away, Wilson reflected on her career, suggesting that she might not be welcome in future Disc Golf Pro Tour events. However, she stood firm in her beliefs, stating, “I couldn’t keep putting my head down. It’s not worth any of this.” She emphasized that her actions were about more than just her career; they were about advocating for the rights of women in sports.
In a social media post following the incident, Wilson expressed her commitment to making a difference for future generations of female athletes. “If you feel how wrong it is to have biological males competing in female protected divisions in sports, now is the time to speak up and stand your ground,” she urged.
The Disc Golf Pro Tour has not yet commented on the incident or Wilson’s walk-off. As the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports continues, Wilson’s bold action has sparked conversations about fairness and safety in competitive environments.