You're welcome to have a look at this list, but we have better elsewhere!
See www.greatveganathletes.com and you'll see what we mean.
Your current page is no longer updated, while www.greatveganathletes.com is updated regularly (and look lots better!)
Contents:
Part One - Strength
Part Two - Athletics and endurance
Part Three - Skill
-----------------------------------NEWS-----------------------------
May 2011
Jeff wins Pittsburgh marathon
Shortly after breaking his personal best at 10k, Jeff Eggleston ran a superb Pittsburgh marathon, winning in 2:16:40.
He had been asked to run as a pacer and encourage a 2:19:00 pace, but ended up breaking away to cross the line first.
Story here.
See more in section 2.
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Dec 2010
Mixed Martial Artist Mac Danzig scored an impressive victory in this high profile bout and his win was voted knockout of the night.
See the fight here.
Mac’s profile is in section 3.
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********************PART ONE*******************
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Part One
STRENGTH
Alexander Dargatz
Bodybuilder
"There simply is no need for us to consume animal products and we cause a lot of harm by doing so; that is the definition of crime. I couldn’t be anything else but vegan after understanding that."
Article on Alex
Kenneth G Williams
Bodybuilder
Kenneth made sports history at the 2004 Natural Olympia in Las Vegas – the most prestigious natural bodybuilding competition in the world – by finishing third out of more than 200 competitors from 37 nations and becoming America’s first vegan bodybuilding champion.
“Being vegan gives me the strength and stamina I need to be a successful bodybuilder.”
Kenneth in video
Kenneth’s own site
Kenneth features in a short film on vegan athletes.
Rob Bigwood
Armwrestler
Rob has placed 4th in the US nationals and has won the left handed super heavyweight World Championships. He's won numerous state championships on the East coast. He made a comeback in 2008 and was ranked 2nd for both left and right arm in 225lb category in the Northeast East United States.
"First and foremost I am an animal lover. When I actually thought about what I was eating made me sick. I did a little research and realized how disgusting and inhuman factory animals are treated, and I didn't want ANY part of that."
"I am a lot lighter now. Before all this I use to be 290 lbs... now I am 225. I don't feel it affected my strength at all considering I still get all my protein but just not from meat!"
Rob’s blog
Rob in action - video
Joel Kirkilis
Bodybuilder and lifter
Victoria (Aus) bodybuilding champion, 2009
Competing at 80kg, Joel's best lifts are:
Squat 190kg, Bench 150kg, Deadlift 195kg
"Being a competitive vegan bodybuilder, in a sport which has a significant emphasis on the consumption of animal proteins has provided me with the opportunity to prove that a vegan diet is just as effective for enhancing physical performance yet more importantly it does not involve the cruelty required to produce "traditional" bodybuilding foods."
Joel wins the title
Joel's profile
Lifting videos
Martin Whittred
Grip
British Hand Strength champion (intermediate) 2001. One of the elite group capable of closing the Captain of Crush #3, Martin has since closed it for 8 reps, and closed it using just two fingers.
Vegan since 1998. “Before becoming a vegan I’ve been a vegetarian most of my life.”
Martin’s training
Joni Purmonen
Strength
Qualified for national finals of Finland’s Strongest Man and England’s Strongest Man at 105kg.
“ If people see someone punching a dog, they would say something is wrong there. To me being vegan is not more complex than that, it's just a reaction to something which is clearly wrong.”
Joni is a founder of Vegan Fitness.
Joni’s training
Joni’s competition videos
Pat Reeves
Powerlifter and marathon runner
Pat was diagnosed with a serious genetic cancer many years ago, but continues to live a full and incredible life. She has held of a British Masters' Powerlifting title for many years and of several Divisional, Commonwealth and Masters' records. Competing at 42.9kg bodyweight, Pat’s personal bests include:
90kg Squat
55kg Bench Press (a British record)
130kg Deadlift (a British Record)
“I have now followed a plant-based eating regime for forty-four years - wow - that's so long! Substantially, I have been eating raw and living foods (around 95% living foods) for the last seventeen of those. I credit my current excellent health and phenomenal energy to this method of food preparation - and also my ability to stay on top of the genetically-fuelled cancer.”
interview with Pat
Pat’s profile
Article by Pat (turn to page 54)
Jane Black
Olympic style lifter
Jane has set numerous Master's National and World records and competed internationally representing the USA.
“To me, the dairy industry, coupled with the veal industry, is one of the most embarrassing things human beings participate in."
More on Jane
Robert Cheeke
Bodybuilder and vegan campaigner
“As a vegan bodybuilder, I want to show others that it is possible to gain significant muscle and strength on a vegan diet and I want to inspire others to follow this lifestyle. I love being vegan and knowing that I am having a positive impact on our society. I believe that a plant-based diet is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the well-being of our environment.”
Robert’s site
Robbie Hazeley
Veteran Bodybuilder
Robbie aged 53
"I went vegan in 1989 and that was on health grounds. I started bodybuilding back in 1971 and was experiencing a number of health problems, especially with my knees. Going vegan made a lot of sense on paper and in practice was instrumental in improving my all round health, stamina, freedom from injuries and ability to train more intensely. It was the turning point for me in so many ways."
Robbie competing (film)
Robbie’s training
Robbie’s photos and history
Mike Mahler
Strength Trainer
“While I am an ethical vegan, there is no doubt in mind that a vegan diet is healthy and that I can get everything that my body need for my intense lifestyle.”
Mike explains his choices
Robert dos Remedios
('Coach Dos')
Strength Trainer
National (US) Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year
“Guess what, guys? You can get jacked and strong as hell without ever eating a single animal product”
Coach Dos in video
Interview with Coach Dos
Coach Dos's own site
Denise Nicole
Successful professional figure model and bodybuilder
Denise’s site
Willie Austin
Former world class athlete and internationally recognised strength trainer
“You know as an athlete and a coach, just seeing the demand and the need in the community for promotion better health – you have to walk the walk. And I felt I had to change my diet if I’m going to support the changing of diet of many other people. To want to be healthier, to want to live longer, to want to live long enough to touch the amount of people I want to touch before I leave here and that incorporated a vegetarian diet at first and eventually I became vegan...Be veg, be strong, and save our planet.”
Film on Willie
Willie's foundation
Jim Morris
Bodybuilder
Former Mr America and successful bodybuilder into his 60s and 70s.
Jim’s site with amazing photos
Jim on TV news
See more vegan bodybuilders here!
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********************PART TWO*******************
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Part Two
Athletics and endurance
Scott Jurek
Ultramarathon runner
Has:
-won Western States 100 mile endurance run seven times
-won Millwok 100k three times
-won Spartathon (246k) twice
-won Leona Divide 50 Mile four times
-set ten ultramarathon course records
-won at least 24 ultramarathons between 77km and 246km.
Scott wins the Badwater Ultra, 2006
Scott’s site listing career highlights and more.
Runner's World on Scott's food.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/sport ... wanted=all
Carl Lewis
World champion sprinter
World Athlete of the Decade, 1980s
9 gold and 1 silver Olympic medals, 1984-1996 in long jump, 100m, 200m, and 4 x 100 m relay.
Olympic Athlete of the Century award
“I’ve found that a person does not need protein from meat to be a successful athlete. In fact, my best year of track competition was the first year I ate a vegan diet. Moreover, by continuing to eat a vegan diet, my weight is under control, I like the way I look. (I know that sounds vain, but all of us want to like the way we look.) I enjoy eating more, and I feel great.”
Carl’s official website
Video explaining the decision to go vegan
Carl features in a short film on vegan athletes.
Brendan Brazier
Triathlete and endurance runner
Brendan has competed at the highest level winning numerous triathlons and long distance races.
Brendan’s results
Brendan’s web site
Brendan's food
Rich Roll
Elite-level amateur ultra-distance endurance athlete
Rich has been vegan since 2006, and was awarded the title of one of 2009’s “25 Fittest Guys in the World” by Men’s Fitness Magazine. He is best known for his participation in the Ultraman World Championships, which involves a 6.2 mile swim, 261.4 mile cycle and 52.4 mile run over 3 days.
In 2008 he recorded the second fastest time for the 10 km swim, beating many professional athletes and finishing 11th overall. In 2009 he won the swim and the first day, finishing 7th overall.
"I have found that I am able to repair my body and recover well from workouts and am able to bounce back fresh day in and day out. Believe me, if I felt like I really needed to eat meat or dairy over the last 3 years, I would have. I just never felt like I really needed to.
Ultra marathon legend and plant-strong Scott Jurek claims that his body has become so adept at absorbing his nutrient rich foods that he needs to eat less and operates at a higher efficiency. I can honestly say that I know what he is talking about. And I think he and Carl Lewis (who performed at his peak on a plant-based diet) know what they are talking about."
Rich's site
CNN news article about Rich
Article on Rich's veganism
Fiona Oakes
Marathon Runner
Veggie since 6 and vegan since she was a teenager, Fiona represented Britain as an Olympic cyclist before switching to running. Her personal best for marathon is 2:49:00, despite a knee replacement and a hectic life that includes a job, caring for 400 animals at her sanctuary she runs and fundraises for almost single handed. She has achieved top ten finishes in popular marathons like Florence and Amsterdam. She recently broke the 13 year old course record for the Essex County Marathon by 11 minutes.
In June 2010 Fiona recorded the World record fastest time for women's marathon within the Arctic circle!
“I like to encourage people to think about veganism in a positive way. I try to break down stereotypes and myths attached to veganism by my actions. I am one of only 800 female fire-fighters in the UK - a job which people don't expect to see a female doing, let alone a vegan one. I run endurance events, a thing which people don't think you can do if you are a 'weak vegan'.”
Fiona’s Sanctuary
Fiona’s site
Videos of Fiona at work
Jeff Eggleston
Professional Marathon Runner
Jeff has recorded personal bests of
• 5K Road 14:11
• 10K Road 29:57
• 1/2 Marathon 1:03:58
• Marathon 2:14:32
“I did some research on veganism, and the more I educated myself, the more I felt attuned to the philosophy and lifestyle: I did not want to contribute to the suffering of other living things and I felt a personal responsibility to living in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. I knew the switch would be a great challenge, but would encourage me to be more proactive in monitoring my vitamin and nutrient intake—while getting them from natural sources. I also felt that an organic, animal-free diet would be a more pure way to fuel my body. Given my marathon training demands, I felt this diet would optimize my energy needs.”
Jeff’s site
Interview with Jeff
Ruth Heidrich
Runner and Triathlete
Six-time Ironman Triathlon finisher, holder of more than 900 gold medals at every distance from 100 meter dashes to 5K road races to ultra marathons and triathlons. She has completed more than 60 marathons all over the world, including Boston, New York, Moscow, and has held 3 world fitness records in her age group at the famed Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. Vegan since 1982.
Ruth’s site
Christine Vardaros
Professional cyclist (cyclo-cross)
US national team member with many successes including a win at 2004s Santa Cruz Classic Criterium.
"I am a professional athlete so I may prove by example that top sport can be successfully accomplished on a completely plant-based diet.... It is especially important to me that everyone knows eating vegan is simple and easy and requires only basic foods that can be found in any supermarket around the world. Go Vegan and No Body Gets Hurt!"
Christine’s profile
Christine’s blog
Adam Myerson
Professional cyclist
Highlights include 4th overall in the USA, 2007 and thirty-eight career victories.
“I’ve been a vegetarian for 14 years, just about my entire racing career. The past 3 years I’ve been completely vegan, which means I don’t use any animal products whatsoever. As a coach, I’m in a position where many of my clients rely on me for nutritional advice, and as an athlete I have specific experience about what it takes to be a vegetarian and still compete at a high level.”
Adam’s career
Jason Sager
Professional Cyclist
Ranked in the US top 10 and former national duathlon champion.
Jason’s blog
Catherine Johnson
Cyclocross
Elite Cross racer since 2004
1st Boulder Cycloross Series in 2005
“I think that being a bike-racing vegan allows you to be healthy, compassionate to animals and the environment, while being tough, aggressive, and competitive on your bike. I think it is important to make a positive difference, fight for social justice, and choose to let your choices speak for not only yourself, but for those whose voices we can not hear.”
Catherine's profile
Catherine's blog
Robert Lichtenwalner
Mountain Biker
Pro mountain bike racer and an ultra distance specialist. Granny gear 24hour solo national champion.
Mountain bike mag features Robert
Robert's results
Supervegan Robert
Robert becomes national champion
Molly Cameron
Cyclist
He has been Oregon state champ twice
National class competitor
"When I turned 15 or 16 I realized that I did not have to eat meat, so I stopped. I went Vegan the same year I got in to bike racing: 1999...I was really motivated to start taking responsibility for what I put in my body."
More on Molly
Molly's own site
Weia Reinboud
Masters High jumper
Has set the world womens age 50 category record for indoor and outdoor high jump.
“I am crazy in many aspects, but it doesn’t bother me. Anarchist, eating vegan and organic, lesbian, free-jazz tenor sax player, feminist, abstract painter, dragonfly specialist, world record holder and so on!"
Interview in veteran’s athletics magazine
Catra Corbett
Ultra marathon runner
Catra has run over 250 ultra marathons. She holds the womens' record for completing the John Muir Trail twice (out and back), a total of 424 miles, and has the second best all time result for a woman running one way (212 miles). In September 2009 she ran her 66th 100 mile race.
Catra’s blog
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*******************PART THREE******************
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Part Three
Skill Athletes
Mac Danzig
Mixed Martial Arts
World champion
"When I decided to go vegan, I was able to make the 155-pound weight class much easier, and I haven’t lost an ounce of muscle. I’m leaner than I used to be, and I have much more energy than I used to."
"Mac has won numerous world titles in smaller organizations on his way to the UFC and is not only a fighter, but also a teacher of mixed martial arts in his current home of Hollywood California. A vegan, naturalist, animal lover and serious photographer, Danzig transcends the typical stereotype of a combat athlete." (Mac's website.)
Fight record:
21 wins
4 draws
1 loss
Mac's own site
Video of Mac
Mac features in a short film on vegan athletes.
Tony Fiametta
American football
Fullback for Dallas Cowboys
Pro Football Weekly named Fiammetta the first-team All-American fullback, 2008.
He was also invited to and participated in the 2009 Senior Bowl.
”I’ve actually felt better on the field and off the field but it was an instant change of being a meat eater all the time to not eating it. I’d done it my whole life and then to have it taken away that first week was hard. Now I’m fine."
Online Football magazine report on his change to veganism
Tony’s Wikipedia page
Tony’s turning vegan
Tony’s profile
Vegan strength – video of Tony training
Salim Stoudamire
Basketball player
Atlanta Hawks
"I don't think you should eat something that had a mother."
"My endurance has gone up, and I haven't gotten tired at all during the whole season."
Basketball magazine interview about Salim's veganism
Salim becomes a vegan (scroll down)
John Salley
Basketball player
John played at the top level for many years
“I’m John Salley and I'm a vegan. I'm a vegan because I'm only four pounds heaver than I was in 1989.”
John in video
John's career stats
John's animal rights
John features in a short film on vegan athletes.
Georges Laraque
Ice Hockey player
Georges was named the number one enforcer by Sports Illustrated in 2008
"I officially became a vegan on June 1, 2009. Even though it's quite a change in terms of nutrition, I have never felt better or so healthy in my life. Considering that I'm a professional athlete, that’s quite important, but with the help of the Montreal Vegetarian Association, and my nutritionist Anne Marie Roy, they have made the perfect meal plan for me that is free of animals and animal-products."
Georges' site
Georges commits to animal rights
Article on Georges
Andreas Hanni
Ice Hockey player
31-year-old defenseman with reigning champion SC Bern.
“I became a vegan when I was 18, five years after becoming a vegetarian; both for the same reasons, for the respect I have for animals, leading me to the obvious conclusion not harm them.”
Article on vegan ice hockey
Michael Zigomanis
Ice Hockey player
Toronto Maple Leafs
“Having terrific vision, soft hands and adept in a passing touch, and great skill on the faceoff, Zigomanis has molded his role as a third-line playmaker.”
“I’ve gone full vegan this year[2011] and haven’t really had much meat the last four years...I did a cleanse four years ago and It’s kind of how it started”
Michael’s career statistics
Michael’s Wikipedia page
Keith Holmes
Boxer
WBC Middleweight champion, 1996-1998
New York Times:
It is true that he is a vegan. A typical lunch for him consists of a millet casserole with salad and sprouts or battered tofu sandwiches. The average boxer does not eat such a meal... ''It's helped me to eat healthy,'' said Holmes, who is 35-2 with 23 knockouts. ''It helps me get my wind quicker between rounds. It'll help me win the title.''
Keith in the news
Henry Akins
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Nicknamed “Jiu Jitsu Super Computer” for his knowledge and analysis of the art. Primary instructor at the US BJJ HQ.
In addition to learning and teaching in the academy, Henry has had much practical experience with his Jiu Jitsu working some very high profile security gigs for top night clubs and entertainment acts globally.
Going to the fish market in Japan…and seeing all the animals get slaughtered, I got really sad and it touched me and I decided to stop eating meat.
Henry explains his veganism.
Harri Nieminem
Thai Boxer
Harri travelled to Thailand to win the 1996 Thai Boxing title at 60kg. He beat the US champion in the semi and the Thai champion in the final.
Finnish Thai Boxing society
Pat Neshek
Baseball
Major League Baseball relief pitcher in the Minnesota Twins organization.
“After the 2007 season I had read so much I decided to become a vegan and get rid of all the animal products -- meat and dairy... It really changed my career, and I thought, "This might be something that helps me take my career to the next level." And it wasn't the main reason, but I like knowing everything I eat was served in a humane way.”
Pat goes vegan
Craig Heath
Figure skater
Competitive History:
Current American Open Bronze Medalist
2001 American Open Professional Championships - Bronze Medalist
2000 American Open Professional Championships - Silver Medalist
1998 World Professional - Bronze Medalist
1994 Dorothy Hamill International Crown Championships - Champion
1994 US Open Challenge Cup - Silver Medalist
1994 US Open Master Cup - 5th Place
“I am a Vegan Vegetarian.”
Craig's site
Meagan Duhamel
Pairs skater
2011 Four continents Silver medallist
2011 Canadian national silver medallist
2010 Four Continents bronze medallist
2009 Canadian National silver medallist
“So many people tell me they could never be vegan. I just wish people would understand and realize that it’s really not that difficult, and it’s a choice that we make—I think that it is in everybody’s grasp to be able to make a decision like switching to a vegan lifestyle. One of my proudest accomplishments has been going vegan.”
Meagan’s Wikipedia page
Meagan’s on veganism
Training with Georges Laraque
Ed Templeton
Pro Skateboarder
"Once you read about the meat and dairy industry and the things they do, it is hard to keep supporting them...Skateboarders are always ahead of the curve. It is a group inherently in the know, full of artists and do-it-yourselfers."
Interview with Ed
Ed in action
Moses Itkonen
Pro Skateboarder
"I started out being really into animal rights, not killing or mistreating animals, and I feel strongly about that now, but there's way more that I've learned through personal experiences that keep me into it. I've been a vegetarian for ten years now, nine years a vegan. I've found that what I consume comes out in a whole bunch of different ways."
Article about Moses
Tonya Kay
Professional dancer
“I became a vegetarian twenty years ago and a vegan eleven years ago. Just before going raw (two and a half years ago) I would have called myself a "whole food" vegan, eating no refined flours or sugars and nothing with more than three ingredients.”
Tonya's site
James Southwood
Martial Artist
"I have been vegetarian my whole life and made the ethical decision to become vegan at the age of sixteen."
James' site
Ricardo Moreira
Mixed Martial Arts
“The only things I’m addicted to are training, competing, and animal rights”
Martial arts magazine article
Ricardo on Vegan Radio
Ricardo's fight video
Anthony Aurelius
Martial artist
Creator of Dynamic Choi Kwon Do. Anthony retired from tournements in 2007, where he was known as 'The Helicopter' following wins using flying kicks.
"I am Vegan and proud not to be contributing to animal cruelty and violence. I also feel a Vegan diet to be the best way to stay lean, fit and healthy. The evidence really is conclusive: eating a nutrient-poor, junk food-based diet seriously negatively affects your health. More recently, evidence is now confirming fast that eating meat, and dairy-based products is disease producing."
Anthony's site
Fitness instruction film
Erle Montaigue
Martial artist
Regarded internationally as one of the leading instructors of the internal arts of taijiquan, pa-kua chang, and qigong
About Erle
Erle's site
Miki Orihara
Racing driver
Miki's vegan restaurant
Andy Lally
Nascar Racing driver
Rolex 24 hour at Daytona winner 2001, 2009 & 2011
2001 Grand Am Rolex SRPII Champion
2004 Grand Am Rolex SGS Champion
2006 Grand Am Rolex GT Champion
Andy holds the record for the most top 3 and top 5 finishes in Grand American Rolex Series history.
Vegan since 2009
“ If (people) were able to see the mistreatment and what goes on and see what shows up to them in a nice shiny package."
Andy’s own site
Andy’s turns vegan
Racing on vegan fuel
Spencer Pumpelly
Racing driver
Second place LMP2 finish at Petit Le Mans in 2004
Podium finish in 2003 at Road America in the Zip Racing Porsche GT3-RS with Andy Lally,
Three career wins and 8 top 3 finishes in 23 races.
“I am very passionate about both animals and health, and I want to do more to promote both...I knew vegan was the right thing to do, but I always figured it would be too hard with all the traveling I do. I decided to give it a try last summer when several things, including my favorite local pizza joint starting to carry Daiya non-dairy cheese, seemed to point me in that direction. After a few weeks of adjusting, I now find it quite easy no matter where I go.”
Spencer’s racing stats
Spencer turns vegan
Spencer’s Wikipedia page
More racing
Daniel Bryan
Pro Wrestler (WWE)
“So, anyway I started going vegan then, and this whole year my energy levels have been great, I haven’t gotten any skin infections. Right now I’m 198 lbs which is the heaviest I've weighed since 2003 … I'm stronger right now than I've ever been … I'm dead-lifting more than I ever have before."
Wrestling site on Daniel’s veganism
Interview with Daniel
Taryn Terrel
Pro Wrestler (WWE)
Ranked 38th nationally (USA) in 2010, competing under the name ‘Diva Tiffany’. She also is a manager and commentator, and has been a successful model.
“For the last 3 and a half years, I have been working on a long journey to becoming a Vegan. My first and main reason behind this lifestyle change is the moral and ethical rights of animals. I am speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. I am a strong proponent for the humane treatment of animals and am making my stand known by not ingesting any animal products whatsoever. That’s right! No meat, no dairy, no eggs…the list goes on. In short, no animal products or animal by-products.”
Taryn’s own site
Taryn’s Wikipedia page
Greg Chappell
Cricketer
Former Australia captain.
I think the turning point for me was an article that I wrote from the information that he'd given me on some research done at UCLA in California on their track and field athletes, about dairy products, and their fitness and general health on and off dairy products. And the upshot of the article was that these athletes perform better, they recovered better, they trained better, and they were 100% aerobically more fit off dairy products than on dairy products, and I thought Well, for half the training I can be as fit as I am now.
Greg's veganism
More on Greg
See more vegan athletes here.
See this powerpoint presentation.
Are you on this list? Would you like to change the text or photo? Send me a PM.
Are you an elite vegan athlete who would like to be on this list? Send me a PM.
Perhaps should just link to his user profile? username is "harri". Quite a few listed are members here...
