Discover why 18-year-old Brendan Johnston forfeited his state tournament matches, sparking a debate on gender, faith, and sportsmanship. Read more to find out the details.
High School Wrestler’s Surprising Forfeit at State Tournament Sparks Debate
In a surprising turn of events at the Colorado state wrestling tournament, 18-year-old Brendan Johnston chose to forfeit his matches, stirring up conversations about gender, faith, and sportsmanship.
The Unexpected Decision
Brendan Johnston, a high school wrestler from Colorado, made headlines when he voluntarily gave up his chance to place higher in the state tournament. The reason behind his decision? His opponent was a girl.
Johnston was scheduled to wrestle Angel Rios in the 106-pound weight class at the Pepsi Center in Denver. When he realized that Rios was a girl, he immediately decided to forfeit the match, ultimately settling for sixth place instead of potentially securing a higher ranking.
This was not the first time Johnston had made such a decision. Earlier in the tournament, he forfeited another match against Jaslynn Gallegos, a senior at Skyview High School, during the first round.
Brendan’s Perspective
In an interview with KDVR, Johnston explained his reasoning. “Wrestling is a very physical and close-contact sport. I don’t think it’s appropriate to be that physical with a young lady. It’s also very aggressive, and I’m not comfortable with that.”
Johnston’s beliefs are deeply rooted in his faith and upbringing. He expressed that his discomfort with wrestling girls stems from his personal and religious values. “There is something I find problematic about wrestling with a girl, and part of that comes from my faith and beliefs, as well as how I was raised to treat women.”
He emphasized that his decision was not about seeing women as inferior. “I believe women are of equal value to men. Recognizing that men and women are different does not oppose the idea of equality. It’s just acknowledging that we are made differently.”
The Historic Achievement of Female Wrestlers
Both of Johnston’s would-be opponents, Angel Rios and Jaslynn Gallegos, made history by becoming the first females to place in the Colorado state wrestling tournament. Rios secured fourth place, while Gallegos took fifth.
In response to Johnston’s decision, Rios shared her thoughts with The Greeley Tribune. She respected his choice but questioned why a wrestler would forfeit after coming so far in the tournament. “This whole time that I’ve wrestled, it’s just me trying to prove a point that I am just a wrestler,” Rios told the Washington Post. “The fact that my gender holds me back is nerve-racking, but I respect his decision. I’m not a girl wrestler; I’m just a wrestler.”
A Broader Conversation
Johnston’s decision has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of gender, faith, and sportsmanship. Some argue that his choice was respectful and in line with his personal beliefs. Others feel that it undermines the efforts of female athletes striving to be recognized equally in sports.
The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding gender equality in sports. While Johnston stood firm in his beliefs, Rios and Gallegos continued to break barriers, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Conclusion
Brendan Johnston’s forfeit at the Colorado state wrestling tournament has left a lasting impact, raising important questions about gender, faith, and the nature of competition. As female athletes like Rios and Gallegos continue to make strides in traditionally male-dominated sports, society must navigate these complex issues with respect and understanding.
This incident serves as a reminder of the diverse perspectives and values that shape our world of sports and beyond. The conversation it has sparked is likely to continue, encouraging reflection on how we define equality and respect in competitive arenas.