After seeing his opponent, the high school wrestler forfeited the state tournament and decided to end his career.

Brendan Johnston’s Decision to Forfeit Matches
A Colorado high school wrestler, Brendan Johnston, made headlines when he chose to forfeit two state tournament matches against female opponents. He cited his religious and personal beliefs as the primary reasons for his decision.

Johnston’s Withdrawals from Matches
Johnston, 18, from Colorado Springs’ Classical Academy, withdrew from his first-round match against Skyview High’s Jaslynn Gallegos. He also forfeited his third-round consolation match against Angel Rios from Valley High, ending his high school wrestling career.

Beliefs Behind His Decision
Johnston, a Christian, expressed discomfort with the physical nature of wrestling against female opponents. In an interview, he shared, “It’s so physical and close. I don’t think that’s appropriate with a young lady. It’s very aggressive, and I’m not comfortable with that.”

Brendan Johnston speaking to the camera, Photo Credit: Daily Mail — Brendan Johnston speaking to the camera, *Photo Credit:* Daily Mail

Faith and Personal Values
Brendan clarified that his decision was based on his faith, upbringing, and personal experiences. He didn’t see female wrestlers as unequal, but believed that men and women should be treated differently due to their inherent differences. He emphasized that this view didn’t contradict the concept of gender equality.

Unprecedented Decision
Remarkably, Brendan hadn’t faced a female opponent since seventh grade. Wrestling is not officially sanctioned as a sport in Colorado, but Johnston still felt uncomfortable with the aggression involved, especially against a female. He was committed to respecting the efforts and dedication of female wrestlers.

Historical Achievements by Female Wrestlers
Jaslynn Gallegos and Angel Rios made history by becoming the first females to place in the state tournament, finishing fourth and fifth. Gallegos, a wrestler since age five, respected Johnston’s decision and viewed herself as a wrestler, not a “girl wrestler.” She acknowledged that her gender could be a limiting factor but wasn’t offended by his choice.

Ongoing Debate on Gender and Sports
This incident has sparked discussions about sports, gender, and personal beliefs. Moving forward, it’s crucial to respect individual choices while addressing the challenges of gender equality in athletics.