Ben Askren Returns at 42 After Double-Lung Transplant, Says He May Be on Autism Spectrum
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 15
Ben Askren Returns at 42 After Double-Lung Transplant, Says He May Be on Autism Spectrum
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 15
Summary
July 18 marks Ben Askren’s return to competitive wrestling at RAF 11 in Milwaukee, where the 42-year-old will face Belal Muhammad about a year after a double-lung transplant.
Askren also said he believes he may be on the autism spectrum, though he has never been formally diagnosed, tracing the idea to his wife’s observation that he matched nine of 10 Asperger’s traits.
He linked those traits to his career—intense focus, repetition and ignoring convention—saying they helped shape the unorthodox style that carried him to two NCAA titles and the 2008 Olympics.
The comeback follows necrotizing pneumonia caused by a severe staph infection that nearly killed him; doctors later cleared him after his one-year checkup and reduced his medications.
Askren, Real American Freestyle’s first signee in May 2025, framed both disclosures around self-acceptance, saying people are better off being honest about their struggles than projecting perfection.