A Colorado high school wrestler made a difficult decision at the state tournament, choosing to forfeit rather than compete against female opponents. Brendan Johnston, an 18-year-old senior at The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, withdrew from his opening match against Skyview High’s Jaslynn Gallegos and later forfeited a consolation-round match against Valley High’s Angel Rios. His decision effectively ended his high school wrestling career, sparking a wider conversation about faith, personal boundaries, and fairness in sports.
Johnston explained that his Christian faith, upbringing, and personal convictions influenced his choice. In an interview with KDVR, he said he felt uncomfortable with wrestling’s close physical contact and aggressive nature when competing against women. He emphasized that his decision was not intended to suggest female athletes were less capable, but reflected his own beliefs about the physical differences between men and women. He also said he wanted to respect the women who had dedicated themselves to the sport.
The decision drew attention because Johnston reportedly had not wrestled a female opponent since beginning the sport in seventh grade. Meanwhile, Gallegos and Rios made history at the tournament, finishing fifth and fourth, respectively, according to reports. Gallegos, who had been wrestling since she was five years old, said she understood and respected Johnston’s choice. She explained that she viewed herself as a wrestler first, rather than defining herself by her gender, and said she did not take his decision personally.
💬 The incident has raised questions about how schools and athletic organizations can balance religious freedom, individual convictions, and equal opportunities in sports. Some may focus on an athlete’s right to follow his beliefs, while others may consider the impact forfeitures can have on female competitors. What do you think? Should personal beliefs influence whether an athlete competes against a particular opponent? Share your thoughts below. 👇
