In a recent candid interview, BJJ world champion Mikey Musumeci opened up about the pervasive use of steroids in the sport. The interview from Brendan Schaub, highlights Musumeci’s experiences and perspectives on competing in a landscape where performance-enhancing drugs have become alarmingly commonplace.

The Reality of Steroid Use

Musumeci, known for his technical prowess and clean approach to the sport, did not hold back in discussing the prevalence of steroid use among competitors. “When it comes to Jiu-Jitsu, you’re fueled by pizza and pasta,” he humorously begins, “A lot of competitors are fueled by steroids.” This stark contrast between his own fuel sources and those of other competitors underscores the ethical dilemma many athletes face.

A Childhood Realization

Reflecting on his early years in the sport, Musumeci shared a disheartening realization from his childhood: “When I was a kid, I really didn’t believe you could win Worlds without steroids. All the people I looked up to took so much steroids.” This admission sheds light on the pressure young athletes feel to conform to unethical practices just to stay competitive.

A Champion’s Mentality

Despite the daunting challenge of competing against steroid-enhanced opponents, Musumeci adopted a resilient mindset inspired by legendary wrestler Dan Gable. “I had this Dan Gable mentality, right? You know Dan Gable, like the best wrestler. And these people are mentally weak,” Musumeci asserts. His belief in the power of mental strength and hard work over chemical enhancement became a cornerstone of his training philosophy.

Musumeci explains his strategy: “I know if I just worked harder than them, I could beat all of them.” This determination to outwork and outlast his competitors, despite the widespread use of steroids, highlights his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.

The Ethical Dilemma

Musumeci’s comments bring to the forefront a significant ethical issue in BJJ and other competitive sports. The normalization of steroid use not only skews the playing field but also poses serious health risks to athletes. Musumeci’s success, achieved through dedication and clean competition, serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing norm.

“Nowadays in jiu-jitsu, steroid use is so widespread that it has become the norm. When you don’t use them, people treat you like you’re the bad guy,” Musumeci remarked with frustration.

This difficult situation forced Musumeci to make a tough decision: should he stay silent and go along with the status quo, or should he use his influence to speak out against the pervasive use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and work towards improving the sport he is passionate about?

“I feel like God has given me the chance to make a choice. He’s testing me. Do I speak up or stay silent? It’s easier to stay silent and just get along with everyone. But should I raise my voice and try to create positive change?” Musumeci reflected.

Mikey Musumeci’s insights into the reality of steroid use in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offer a sobering glimpse into the challenges faced by clean athletes. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, mental toughness, and ethical commitment in overcoming the odds. As the sport continues to grow, voices like Musumeci’s are crucial in advocating for a fair and healthy competitive environment.