Brendan Johnston, a high school senior from Colorado, made headlines when he withdrew from two matches in the state wrestling tournament due to his personal and religious beliefs. His decision, rooted in his Christian faith, led him to forfeit both his opening-round match against Jaslynn Gallegos and a later consolation match against Angel Rios, effectively ending his high school wrestling career.
Johnston’s choice was not made lightly. While he had trained and competed for years to reach this level, he ultimately felt that wrestling against female athletes went against his convictions. He believed that physical combat with female competitors was inappropriate, and he chose to stand by his principles even though it meant missing out on potential victories.
The situation sparked discussions about gender in high school wrestling, as more female athletes continue to enter the sport. Some praised Johnston for sticking to his beliefs, while others debated whether his decision impacted opportunities for female wrestlers.
Despite the controversy, Johnston expressed no regrets about his choice. He remained firm in his stance, stating that his faith and values were more important to him than competing. His decision may have marked the end of his wrestling career, but it also ignited a broader conversation about sports, gender, and personal convictions in competitive athletics.
