There’s a certain level of admiration that comes with standing by your beliefs, even if it means sacrificing something important. Brendan Johnston, a former high school wrestler from Colorado, exemplified this when he chose to forfeit two state tournament matches against girls back in 2018. Brendan’s decision was inspired by his religious and personal beliefs, effectively ending his high school wrestling career.
The debate surrounding the participation of adult males against adult females in physical sports has gained traction in recent times. Many people argue that it’s unfair to pit men and women against each other due to the inherent biological and physical differences between the sexes. Brendan, an 18-year-old senior at the Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, strongly objected to the idea of wrestling against Jaslynn Gallegos of Skyview High in the first round of the state tournament.
Reflecting on his decision, Brendan, a devout Christian, explained, “It’s so physical, physically close. I don’t think that’s really appropriate with a young lady. It’s also very aggressive, and I’m not really comfortable with that.” His beliefs, shaped by his faith, upbringing, and personal experiences, led him to perceive men and women as inherently different. However, Brendan emphasized that he still values women as equal to men, stating that acknowledging differences doesn’t contradict the notion of equality.
By choosing not to wrestle Jaslynn and another female opponent, Angel Rios from Valley High, in his third-round consolation match, Brendan placed sixth in the tournament. Angel and Jaslynn, on the other hand, secured fourth and fifth place respectively. Jaslynn, while understanding Brendan’s decision, expressed her disappointment, saying, “My whole thing is that I’m not a girl wrestler; I’m just a wrestler. So it kind of doesn’t hurt my feelings, but I do kind of take it to heart.”
Brendan’s story raises important questions about the intersection of personal beliefs, faith, and sports. What are your thoughts on Brendan’s decision? Let us know in the comments below! And if you found this article interesting, be sure to check out the link below for more compelling stories.
