The Conclusion of The Amazing Race Season 37: Jonathan and Ana Towns Reflect on Their Journey
The finale of The Amazing Race Season 37 aired on May 15, 2025, and featured the dynamic couple Jonathan and Ana Towns finishing in a commendable third place. Throughout the competition, their relationship was spotlighted, showcasing both their collaborative spirit and moments of emotional struggle.
In a revealing interview with Parade on May 17, Jonathan and Ana shared insights about their experience. They discussed how the rigors of the race not only tested their partnership but also led to a significant personal revelation: Jonathan’s diagnosis of autism.
Understanding Emotional Challenges: Jonathan’s Journey
Jonathan opened up about the emotional difficulties he faced during the competition, stating:
“It’s so impossible to describe to someone that doesn’t live this experience. And that’s what I think has been so hard for people that did see it. You say, ‘Okay, he has autism, but what does that have to do with anything?’ And I think an important distinction is that I was undiagnosed. And I had no tools,” Jonathan said.
The revelation of his autism diagnosis came after filming concluded, offering clarity on years of miscommunication and emotional barriers within their relationship. They emphasized that their aim is not to issue excuses but to foster growth from their experiences.
“Every time I did that, I was wrong” — Navigating Emotional Outbursts
Further into their discussion, Jonathan revealed that many of the disputes witnessed during The Amazing Race stemmed from emotional overload, which he could not comprehend at the time. He explained:
“I would often blame [Ana] for things that she didn’t deserve blame for. I know what that was now… I was just trying to make sense of these emotions in my head. And I would just put it on the first thing that I saw, which was her,” he said.
Ana supported this narrative, describing how they would engage in discussions and apologies after each leg of the race once Jonathan regained his composure. He expressed the difficulty of watching his actions play out publicly and acknowledged the emotional weight of that realization.
After returning home from filming and reflecting on the broadcast, Jonathan sought to understand his behavior better. He explored previous seasons of The Amazing Race to find relatable traits among contestants but felt that none matched his experiences closely. This introspective journey led him to take an autism quotient test, the results of which confirmed his diagnosis, subsequently seeking a professional evaluation.
Ana revealed that Jonathan’s family had suspected autism for a long time but had never formally discussed it. Following their therapy sessions and the reflections prompted by the show, Ana stated:
“Now that I am learning, it’s like the fog was lifted,” she said.
The couple noted that achieving awareness was a crucial turning point, significantly improving their communication and aiding in the resolution of past conflicts.
How the Diagnosis Strengthened Their Relationship
Jonathan and Ana attribute their participation in The Amazing Race to not only reconnecting after a period of separation but also encouraging a deeper self-reflective journey that culminated in Jonathan’s autism diagnosis. Ana recalled how their relationship was revitalized during the pandemic while revisiting the show together, leading them to apply in 2021 after multiple attempts. They clarified that their initial aim was not merely to win but to finish within the final three.
Jonathan elaborated on how overwhelming emotions hampered his ability to think clearly and respond appropriately, leading him to misdirect frustration towards Ana during the race:
“When the anger gets to that point, you just want to get it out. And you put it on the first thing you see. That was always my wife,” he explained.
Since receiving the diagnosis, Jonathan has actively worked to understand and navigate his emotional responses. Ana mentioned the challenges they faced in finding a qualified professional, but they ultimately succeeded in getting a formal diagnosis. Understanding Jonathan’s condition allowed them to revisit previous conflicts with more empathy and patience.
They reiterated that Jonathan does not view autism as an excuse for his actions; rather, he sees it as a tool for accountability and personal growth.
The Amazing Race episodes continue to be available for streaming on CBS, and the couple’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of understanding and communication in relationships.