The subject of pitting adult male versus adult female in physical competition is one that’s perhaps discussed more often these days than ever before.
Of course, for the most part, people believe that it’s unfair to make men and women go head to head. The two sexes are so different in many ways, not least biologically, and so the playing field isn’t even from the get-go.
In any case, 18-year-old Brendan Johnson took umbrage to the idea of wrestling against Jaslynn Gallegos of Skyview High in the first round of a state tournament in 2018. Brendan, then a senior at the Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, opted not to fight Angel Rios from Valley High in his third-round consolation match either.
“I don’t think that I am looking at them as not equal. I am saying that they are women and that is different than being men, because I do believe that men and women are different and we are made differently.
“But I still believe that women are of equal value to men. I don’t think that seeing men and women as different [opposes] the idea of equality.”
As a result of Brendan’s decision not to wrestle the two girls, he placed sixth, while Angel and Jaslynn placed fourth and fifth respectively.
See more on Brendan’s big call here:
What do you think about Brendan’s decision to refuse to wrestle a female? Let us know in the comments box. Meanwhile, if you thought this article was interesting, check out the one below for more!