In a surprising turn of events, Brendan Johnson, an 18-year-old high school wrestler, made the difficult decision to forfeit his match at a state tournament in 2018. The reason behind this unexpected move was the revelation that his opponent would be Jaslynn Gallegos, a female wrestler.
Brendan, a senior at Classical Academy, cited his Christian beliefs and upbringing as the motivation behind his decision. He explained that his discomfort stemmed from the physicality of wrestling with a girl, which he felt was at odds with his values. Despite his decision, Brendan went on to place sixth in the tournament.
Jaslynn, on the other hand, expressed disappointment but also respect for Brendan’s choice. She emphasized that her identity as a wrestler was not defined by her gender, and she was determined to prove herself in the sport.
Brendan’s decision sparked a mix of reactions, with some people praising his commitment to his faith and others criticizing him for his perceived bias against female wrestlers. However, Brendan was clear in stating that he saw men and women as equal, but acknowledged the biological differences that made him uncomfortable with the match.
