A Wrestler’s Choice: Sticking to His Beliefs

Making sacrifices for your beliefs and sticking up for what you believe in is admirable. The 18-year-old Colorado native and former high school wrestler Brendan Johnston is all too familiar with this. Brendan made a risky choice in 2018 that essentially put a stop to his high school wrestling career. He declined to compete in two state tournament matches against female opponents, citing personal and religious convictions as his justification.

In recent years, the question of whether it is fair to compete physically between adult males and adult girls has gained more and more attention. Many people think it’s unjust to expect men and women to compete on an equal footing because they are fundamentally different from one other, both biologically and in other ways.

Brendan objected to the thought of going up against Skyview High’s Jaslynn Gallegos in the state tournament’s opening round. He also declined to take part in his consolation match against Valley High’s Angel Rios in the third round as a senior at Colorado Springs’ Classical Academy. An interview with KDVR provided a Christian explanation of Brendan’s choice. He said he felt it was too violent and physically uncomfortable to wrestle with a girl. He added that his background and religious beliefs had influenced how he saw women’s roles and distinctions from men.

It’s critical to remember that Brendan’s choice has repercussions. He finished sixth in the tournament while Jaslynn and Angel finished fourth and fifth, respectively, as a result of not wrestling the two females.

While acknowledging Brendan’s decision, Jaslynn voiced her disappointment at not being able to challenge him. Her gender doesn’t define her ability; she views herself first and foremost as a wrestler. She is aware, nevertheless, that social judgments can still hinder her.

Brendan made a contentious decision that sparked debates and dissenting views. How do you feel about Brendan’s choice not to engage in a wrestling match with a female? We would be delighted to hear your opinions.

To learn more about Brendan’s choice and its effects, watch this video:

Country singer Toby Keith dead at 62 following cancer battle

We’re heartbroken to confirm the tragic news about Toby Keith, just months after his last performance.Country singer Toby Keith passed away Monday at the age of 62 following a battle with cancer, his family announced on Tuesday, February 6.“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” the statement issued by his family read.“He fought his fight with grace and courage,” it continued. “Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”The Should’ve Been a Cowboy singer was disclosed the news of having cancer in June 2022. Back then, he posted on his social media and left his fans devastated and praying for his well-being.“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery,” he said in a June 2022 post on X (formerly Twitter). So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover, and relax.“I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait. -T.”

Keith was probably one of the most famous names in country music.

Along with establishing a very successful career, he could also brag with an impressive family life.

Throughout his life, and especially throughout his battle with cancer, his wife of forty years, Tricia Lucus, was by his side.

The two met at a bar while he and his band were performing and they spent the night dancing together. At the time, Lucus was a 19 years old working as an oil company secretary and had a child she was raising on her own.

Speaking of Keith, she said that what attracted her to him was that “he was one of those larger-than-life guys, full of confidence.”

The couple tied the knot on March 24, 1984, after three years of dating. Keith adopted Lucus’ daughter and the two had children on their own.

Toby Keith and his wife, Trisha Lucas, at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Credit: Tammie Arroyo / Variety / Getty

Even before his diagnosis, Keith was an advocate about cancer research and in 2016 he established the Toby Keith Foundation to help provide children with cancer with housing for free.

At the People’s Choice Country Awards last September, where he received the Country Icon Award, the country singer icon shared insights into his treatment journey, describing it as a “roller coaster” experience.

Toby Keith pictured in 2014. Credit: Ethan Miller / Getty

His loss is immense. The world of music lost a legend, but his legacy would continue to live on. His resilient spirit would continue to inspire many more generations. May he rest in peace.

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