In a world where personal beliefs are often tested in the public eye, few stories stand out as powerfully as that of Brendan Johnston, a high school wrestler from Colorado. In 2018, Brendan made national headlines—not for winning a championship, but for walking away from one. He chose to forfeit two matches in the Colorado state wrestling tournament rather than compete against female opponents, a decision that sparked both admiration and debate across the country.

Brendan, then an 18-year-old senior at The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, entered the tournament with a solid record and a real shot at placing high. But when he learned his first-round opponent would be Jaslynn Gallegos from Skyview High School—a talented female wrestler—Brendan made a choice rooted in his personal convictions. Rather than step onto the mat, he forfeited the match.

Later in the tournament, he faced the same dilemma. His third-round consolation match would have pitted him against another female wrestler, Angel Rios from Valley High School. Again, Brendan refused to wrestle, choosing instead to withdraw from the competition.

His reasoning wasn’t about underestimating female athletes or making a statement about their capabilities. In an interview with local news outlet KDVR, Brendan explained that his decision was grounded in his Christian faith and personal values. “Wrestling is a very physical sport,” he said. “And I just don’t think it’s appropriate for me to engage in that kind of physical contact with a young lady. It’s also a very aggressive sport, and that made me uncomfortable.”

Brendan emphasized that his beliefs were shaped by his upbringing, religious values, and deep respect for the differences between men and women. To him, those differences are not barriers—they’re meaningful distinctions that deserve to be honored. “Men and women are different,” he noted, “but that doesn’t make one better than the other. We’re all valuable.”

His decision came with a cost. Brendan’s early exit meant he missed a chance to finish stronger in his high school wrestling career. Ultimately, he placed sixth in the tournament, while Jaslynn Gallegos and Angel Rios went on to finish fourth and fifth, respectively.

For her part, Jaslynn voiced mixed feelings in an interview with The Washington Post. “Throughout my wrestling journey, I’ve been trying to prove that I’m just a wrestler,” she said. “So, when my gender still becomes a reason not to compete against me, it’s a little disappointing. But I respect his decision. He stood by his beliefs. I just wish it didn’t feel so personal.”

Angel Rios echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging that while it can be frustrating, athletes have the right to follow their own convictions. “I don’t agree with it,” she commented in a follow-up interview. “But I understand where he’s coming from. Everyone has different values, and we should be able to talk about that.”

And talk about it we should.

Brendan’s story brings to light a range of important conversations—from gender and sports equity to religious freedom and personal integrity. It’s not just about wrestling. It’s about the right to stand up for what you believe in, even when it means giving up something important.

In today’s increasingly polarized society, Brendan Johnston’s quiet stand for his beliefs may feel like a rarity. But his actions remind us that staying true to your values—whatever they are—requires courage. Not everyone will agree with his decision, but even those who oppose it can respect the integrity it took to make that choice.

The conversation around gender in sports isn’t going away anytime soon, and stories like Brendan’s are helping shape how we navigate these complex discussions. Should athletes be allowed to opt out of competing based on their personal convictions? Where do we draw the line between fairness and freedom of belief? These are not easy questions, and they deserve thoughtful, respectful dialogue.

Brendan’s story offers no easy answers, but it does offer a powerful example of someone who chose principle over personal gain. Whether or not you agree with his decision, there’s no denying the strength it takes to stand alone.

What do you think about Brendan Johnston’s choice? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you found this story compelling, check out some of our related articles on ethics in sports, personal values in competitive environments, and how athletes are navigating an evolving cultural landscape.

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