Every high school athlete’s journey is unique and full of difficulties and personal decisions. Brendan Johnston, a high school wrestler from Colorado, made news in 2018 for reasons other than winning and losing matches.
Brendan, a senior at Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, had to choose the state wrestling competition that year. He competed against two female wrestlers: Jaslynn Gallegos from Skyview High and Angel Rios from Valley High. But Brendan took an unexpected decision: he elected not to wrestle them, forfeiting two vital contests.
Why did he make this decision? Brendan, as a Christian, expressed that his faith and personal views significantly influenced his decision. While playing against a female opponent, he expressed discomfort with the close physical contact and violent aspect of the sport. Brendan highlighted that his decision was not based on considering women as less capable than males but rather on appreciating gender differences, a position informed by his faith and upbringing.
Brendan concluded his high school wrestling career in sixth place, while Jaslynn and Angel finished fourth and fifth, respectively. His decision triggered debate regarding the fairness and dynamics of male-female rivalry in sports. Many individuals believe that men and women should not participate in particular sports because of their physical disparities.
One of the female wrestlers, Jaslynn, showed both admiration for Brendan’s decision and disappointment. She has wrestled to demonstrate that gender should not define an athlete, emphasizing her desire to be known simply as a wrestler, not as a “girl wrestler.”
Brendan’s narrative involves more than simply a wrestling battle. It’s about athletes’ choices, ideas, and gender representation in sports debate. His decision raises serious questions: How should sports address gender differences? What exactly does it mean to compete fairly?
What are your opinions about Brendan’s decision? Is it a matter of respecting personal beliefs, or does it indicate the need for more inclusive sports policies? Share your thoughts and continue the conversation.
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