Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout Espen Mathiesen has raised concerns about the sport’s culture surrounding PEDs, emphasizing the need for change to protect future generations.
During a recent appearance on the Grappler’s Perspective podcast, Mathiesen shared his thoughts on the prevalence of PED use in BJJ and its potential impact on young practitioners.
“I wouldn’t want my kids to go into a sport and knowing if they wanted to become like great at it that they might have to use ster**ds,” Mathiesen stated, highlighting his concerns about the message being sent to young athletes.
The Norwegian grappler emphasized that the current acceptance of PED use within certain circles of the BJJ community could deter parents from encouraging their children to pursue the sport competitively.
Mathiesen’s comments come at a time when discussions about testing and athlete safety in BJJ have become increasingly prominent. While some major competitions have implemented testing protocols, many events still operate without comprehensive anti-doping measures.
The decorated competitor’s stance reflects a growing sentiment within the BJJ community calling for stricter regulations and a cultural shift away from the casual acceptance of PED use. His perspective particularly resonates with those concerned about maintaining the sport’s integrity and ensuring a safe, level playing field for all practitioners.s.
