There’s a lot to be said about sticking to your beliefs and standing up for what you think is right. Brendan Johnston, a former high school wrestler from Colorado, knows this firsthand. In a bold move, he forfeited two state tournament matches against female opponents, effectively ending his high school wrestling career. This decision was driven by his religious and personal beliefs, which he felt conflicted with wrestling against girls.
The debate of pitting males against females in physical competitions has gained traction in recent years. Many people argue that it’s unfair due to the inherent biological and physical differences between the sexes. Brendan, an 18-year-old Christian, echoed these sentiments when discussing his decision. He expressed discomfort with the physical nature of wrestling and the idea of competing against girls. He emphasized that his decision was not about devaluing women, but rather acknowledging the differences between men and women.
While Brendan’s decision sparked controversy, it also ignited a larger conversation about gender equality in sports. Some applauded his stance, while others, like his potential opponent Jaslynn Gallegos, felt disappointed. Jaslynn, a wrestler from Skyview High, saw Brendan’s decision as a setback in her quest to prove that she is just a wrestler, regardless of gender.
Ultimately, Brendan placed sixth in the tournament, while Jaslynn and her teammate Angel Rios secured fourth and fifth place respectively. While opinions differ on Brendan’s choice, one thing is certain: his decision has forced us to examine our beliefs and biases when it comes to gender in sports.
What do you think?
We would love to hear your thoughts on Brendan’s decision. Do you agree with him? Should males and females compete against each other in physical sports? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Watch the video below for more on Brendan’s story:
