In a rare display of personal conviction and faith, Brendan Johnston, a former high school wrestler from Colorado, made headlines in 2018 when he chose to forfeit two state tournament matches rather than compete against female opponents.

Johnston, who attended The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, declined to wrestle Jaslynn Gallegos of Skyview High in the first round of a state tournament, later opting out of his third-round consolation match against Angel Rios from Valley High. His decisions effectively ended his high school wrestling career, but he stood firm, citing personal and religious beliefs as his reasoning.

A Matter of Faith and Principles

The controversy surrounding gender in competitive sports has been a topic of discussion for years. While most wrestling tournaments require participants to compete based on skill and weight class, Johnston took issue with the notion of wrestling against a female opponent. Speaking to KDVR, he explained his reasoning:

“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, I guess, comfortable with that.”

He continued, “There is something that I really do find problematic about the idea of wrestling with a girl, and a part of that does come from my faith and my belief. And a part of that does come from how I was raised to treat women.”

Johnston clarified that he does not view women as inferior but rather believes that men and women are different and should be treated accordingly. “I don’t think that I am looking at them as not equal,” he said. “I am saying that they are women, and that is different than being men, because I do believe that men and women are different and we are made differently.”

Mixed Reactions to Johnston’s Decision

His stance received both support and criticism. Many praised his commitment to his beliefs, while others saw it as an outdated perspective in an era of increasing gender inclusivity in sports.

Jaslynn Gallegos, one of the opponents Johnston refused to wrestle, expressed disappointment but acknowledged his right to make that choice. Speaking to The Washington Post, she said, “This whole time that I’ve wrestled, it’s just me trying to prove a point that I am just a wrestler. And so the fact that my gender is something that kind of holds me back still is just a little nerve-racking, but I respect his decision.”

She added, “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.”

The Larger Debate in Competitive Sports

The conversation surrounding gender in sports has become more prominent in recent years, with debates over fairness, competition, and equality continuing to surface. Some argue that all athletes should be treated equally, regardless of gender, while others believe that biological differences create disparities that should be acknowledged.

For Johnston, the decision to forfeit was not about making a political statement but rather staying true to his personal convictions. His decision ultimately led him to place sixth in the tournament, while Gallegos and Rios placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

As discussions about gender in sports evolve, Johnston’s choice remains a striking example of how deeply personal beliefs can intersect with competitive athletics. Whether one agrees with his stance or not, his story highlights the complex and ongoing debate about fairness, inclusivity, and personal principles in high school and professional sports