Craig Jones’ famous statement, with its humorous tone, points towards two separate aspects that are often discussed in the context of sports performance: the unique focus and dedication that can be associated with autism, and the physical enhancement from steroid use.
“If you have the right mix – I call it the goldilock sign – if you have the right mix of autism and steroids, you are 100% guaranteed to become a world champion. And that’s the thing, people are focusing on steroids but really as a world class coach, you really wanna attract people with autism because you can give anyone steroids. Despite our best efforts, we are yet to give anyone autism.”
How true is this statement? Hang out with BJJ champions for some time and you will notice that many of them are clearly slightly autistic… It is evident in the way they talk, conduct themselves and obsessive drive for Jiu-Jitsu. Now, many world champions are also on steroids (no need to name, people already know who they are). So what happens when you mix the two?
- Traits Associated with Autism: Some individuals with autism might have intense focus and dedication towards their interests. In a sport like Jiu-Jitsu, this could translate into a deep, obsessive commitment to training and technique refinement. This intense focus can be advantageous in mastering the complex skills required in martial arts. However, it’s important to note that autism is a spectrum, and traits vary widely among individuals.
- Steroid Use: Steroids are known for their ability to enhance physical performance, muscle growth, and recovery. However, their use is typically frowned upon or outright banned in competitive sports due to ethical reasons and health risks.
Many commented online about this statement:
“Craig out here just describing Gordon [Ryan]”
“I don’t know that there is any funnier, high-level athlete than Craig Jones, and the fox catcher wrestling shirt is just the cherry on top👏👏👏
“Where can I buy some autism?”
“I think I have the wrong type of autism. Not the good at math and loving trains kind. I have the crippling social anxiety kind. Will extra steroids fix this?”
Craig Jones seems to be making a tongue-in-cheek comment about the ideal combination for creating a world-class Jiu-Jitsu competitor, BUT there seems to be some truth to it.
Combine the ultra obsessive and focused nature of autism and the performance enhancing benefits of streoids and you seem to have a match made in heaven…
Jones is highlighting that while steroids can be given to anyone, the unique traits associated with autism, which can include a high level of focus and dedication to a particular interest, cannot be artificially imparted. His statement seems to be more of a humorous observation rather than a serious training recommendation.
