It is noble to stick to your convictions even if it means sacrificing anything. This was best demonstrated in 2018 by Colorado high school wrestler Brendan Johnston, who decided to forfeit two matches against girls in the state tournament. Brendan ended his high school wrestling career too soon, but he justified it with his personal and religious convictions.
In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about adult males and girls competing physically. It is commonly held that the biological and non-biological disparities between the sexes make it unfair to compete against each other in sports. Brendan, a senior at Colorado Springs’ Classical Academy who was eighteen years old, was adamantly against facing Skyview High’s Jaslynn Gallegos in the state tournament’s opening round. He also did not show up for his third-round consolation match against Valley High’s Angel Rios.
The devoted Christian Brendan gave his explanation in an interview with KDVR. “Wrestling is a physically close sport,” he declared. To act in such a way against a young lady is inappropriate, in my opinion. In addition, it’s a pretty aggressive sport, which bothers me. Brendan made his choice based on his faith, his upbringing, and his realization that although men and women are different, they are still valuable.
Brendan placed sixth, while Jaslynn and Angel placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in spite of his principled stance. Jaslynn voiced her displeasure that Brendan had declined to face her in a competition. She clarified, “Throughout my wrestling journey, I’ve been trying to prove that I’m just a wrestler,” in an interview with the Washington Post. It is therefore a little depressing that my gender still puts a barrier in my way. I do, however, respect his choice. It’s alright. But I find myself taking it personally.
Open communication on Brendan’s choice and its effects is crucial. Regarding Brendan’s decision to not battle a female opponent, what are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments section below. If you enjoyed reading this post, you might like to read some of the recommended articles below for more insightful reading.
