Brendan Johnston, a former high school wrestler from Colorado, is a name that stands out not for the matches he won, but for the ones he chose not to compete in. His decision in 2018 to forfeit two state tournament matches against female opponents was one that effectively ended his high school wrestling career. But for Johnston, the choice was never about winning or losing—it was about standing firm in his religious and personal beliefs.
The idea of male and female athletes competing against each other in physical sports has always been a contentious issue, one that has gained even more attention in recent years. Many believe that pitting men against women in direct physical competition is inherently unfair due to the fundamental biological differences between the sexes. While individual strength, skill, and experience all play a role in an athlete’s performance, the reality is that male and female bodies are built differently. These differences can create an uneven playing field, especially in sports that require significant physical engagement.
For Johnston, however, his decision wasn’t about whether he had an advantage or disadvantage. Instead, it was a reflection of his deeply held beliefs. He saw wrestling as an intense and physically demanding sport, one where athletes exert force, maneuver their opponents, and engage in close physical contact. For him, wrestling a female competitor conflicted with his principles.
“I’m not really comfortable with a couple of things,” Johnston said at the time. “The physical contact, and I guess the physical aggression, too. I don’t think that’s really appropriate with a young lady. And it’s also very important to me to be consistent in my faith in everything that I do. And in my faith, that’s not really something that I would believe is appropriate for me to do, so I’m just trying to be consistent with that.”
Johnston’s decision sparked debate across the sports world and beyond. Some praised him for his integrity and for standing by his beliefs, while others criticized him, arguing that his choice to forfeit was a form of discrimination against female athletes. Many questioned whether religious or personal convictions should play a role in competitive sports, while others viewed his actions as a sign of respect for women rather than an attempt to demean them.
The young wrestler made it clear that his decision had nothing to do with doubting the abilities of his female opponents. In fact, he openly acknowledged the skill and hard work that these athletes put into the sport. “I’m not forfeiting because I don’t think I could win,” he said. “I’m not forfeiting because I think I’m better than them. I’m forfeiting because I personally don’t think wrestling a girl is the right thing for me to do.”
Johnston’s situation is part of a broader conversation about gender in sports. Wrestling is a sport that has traditionally been dominated by male competitors, but over the years, more and more women have entered the sport and proven their capabilities. Girls’ wrestling programs have expanded across the country, and some states now offer separate divisions for female wrestlers. However, in states where girls and boys still compete together, situations like Johnston’s become more common.
Those who support mixed-gender competition argue that if female athletes train just as hard as their male counterparts, they should have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels, regardless of their opponent’s gender. They believe that skill and technique can often compensate for differences in strength and size. Opponents of mixed-gender competition, on the other hand, argue that biology plays a crucial role in athletic performance, especially in sports that require physical combat.
Johnston was not the first male wrestler to forfeit matches against female opponents due to personal beliefs, and he certainly won’t be the last. His story serves as an example of how personal convictions can intersect with athletic competition, sometimes leading to difficult decisions. The debate over gender and sports is far from settled, and as more women continue to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated sports, questions about fairness, inclusion, and personal beliefs will continue to arise.
Despite the controversy surrounding his decision, Johnston remained unwavering in his beliefs. He recognized that his choice would have consequences, including missing out on a chance to compete in the state tournament and ultimately ending his high school wrestling career sooner than expected. But for him, the principles he upheld were more important than any trophy or title he might have won.
While some saw his decision as a missed opportunity, others viewed it as a powerful statement of integrity. In a world where athletes often face pressure to conform, whether to societal expectations or competitive ambitions, Johnston’s willingness to stand by his convictions set him apart.
His story also raises important questions about how society views gender roles in sports. While many people advocate for equal opportunities, the discussion often becomes complicated when biological differences are factored in. Should sports be separated by gender to ensure fairness, or should ability be the only determining factor? Should personal beliefs play a role in deciding who competes, or should athletes be required to participate regardless of their convictions?
There are no easy answers to these questions, and different perspectives will continue to shape the conversation in the years to come. What is clear, however, is that Brendan Johnston made a choice that reflected his values, and in doing so, he highlighted a debate that extends far beyond the wrestling mat.
For Johnston, wrestling may have ended in high school, but the lessons he learned from his decision will likely stay with him for a lifetime. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his stance, his story is a reminder that sports are about more than just competition. They are also about character, personal growth, and the values that athletes choose to uphold, even when it means walking away from the opportunity to win.
