Athletics, Bodybuilding and Fitness
A healthy vegan diet gives important advantages over a meaty diet, which is why many Olympic and professional athletes are vegetarians… A healthy vegan diet will give you the strength and stamina you need...–Neal Barnard, MD
My best year of track competition was the first year I ate a vegan diet.–Carl Lewis, Olympic track starYou do not need muscle enhancers and drugs or animal flesh for muscle growth.–Kenneth G. Williams, professional bodybuilderSince a quality vegetarian diet provides superior nutrition, health and stamina for athletics, many accomplished athletes and bodybuilders are vegetarian. Vegetarian athletes have the advantage of getting all the protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber they need without the artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fats found in animal products. Vegetarians may also be better able to stay active and competitive as they age, due to improved health and longevity.
Following is a list of some vegetarian athletes (more at www.supervegan.org)
- Brendan Brazier (vegan) – Ironman triathlete
- Scott Jurek (vegan) – ultramarathoner
- Martina Navratilova (vegan) – champion tennis player
- Slalim Stoudamire (vegan) – National Basketball Association player, Atlanta Hawks
- Andreas Cahling – Swedish champion bodybuilder, Olympic Gold Medalist
- Ruth Heidrich – six-time Ironwoman, USA track and field Masters’ champion
- Billie Jean King – champion tennis player
- Sixto Linares – world record holder, 24-hour triathlon
- Edwin Moses – Olympic Gold Medalist
- Joe Namath – American Football Hall of Fame quarterback
- Bill Pearl – four-time Mr. Universe
- Stan Price – bench press world record holder
More information for athletes and bodybuilders:
- organicathlete.org
- veganathlete.com
- veganmusclepower.org
- Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness
- Becoming Vegan: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Plant-Based Diet, Brenda Davis, RD and Vesanto Melinda, MS, RD