Many of the most successful sportspeople worldwide are now vegan. While they may differ in that they have decided to go vegan to avoid animal cruelty, for their health, to reduce environmental impact, or other reasons, they have one large similarity. They have proved that excellence and veganism often go together.


Myths still persist that state that it is not possible to be vegan and be successful in sport. These myths do not have a foundation in science, and athletes build muscle, endurance and ability on plant sources and many go on to achieve great things. The performance of these athletes is proof that veganism can and does enable excellence.

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James Wilks

James Wilks is an English MMA professional who won UFC. He's a qualified instructor in a number of martial arts. James narrowly misses out on a full profile on this site because he occasionally eats honey, but is an enthusiastic supporter of a plant-based diet, which he adopted after researching nutrition and responding well to cutting out meat and dairy.

James' initial desire to change diet was to improve athletic performance, but he now is also motivated by ethical and environmental factors.

Fiona Oakes completes Marathon des Sables

Taking on Marathon des Sables is a challenge enough for even the most accomplished of athletes, but Fiona has overcome further challenges and still completed this astounding undertaking.

 

A few days before the event started, a horse Fiona was caring for accidentally stood on her foot causing a fracture.  She went ahead as normal and a few days later was at the start line.  An allergic reaction to her socks caused an inflammation which lasted for days.

 

Jim Morris

Jim is known for an outstanding physique in his later years. At 75 he still trains hard and releases bodybuilding photos. The photograph above is him aged 61, which many people believed was edited as they could not believe the muscular definition of a man of this age.

He also had a successful career as a younger man and acheived an impressive set of titles. Jim is outspoken in support of the vegan diet and encourages people to eat a healthy, plant-based diet for the good of their health and sport.

Mac Danzig

Mac Danzig is an internationally recognised Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitor who has competed at the highest level. In 2005 Mac won the King Of The Cage Lightweight Championship which he successfully defended four times, and has also won the Ultimate Fighter 6 competition.

Rich Roll

Rich is an elite-level amateur ultra-distance endurance athlete who has competed in the toughest events in the world. He adopted a vegan diet when, at age 40, he realised his health and fitness were at very poor levels. He is also an advocate for a plant based diet, which he believes played a large part in his transition from an unhealthy middle-aged man to the top-level athlete he is today.

He is a regular ultraman competitior which involves a 10km swim, cycling over 200 miles and running a double marathon.

Esther Hahn

Surfing titles with four surfing bodies are part of Esther Hahn's recovery from an illness which lead her to reconsider her diet and turn vegan. She has since explained that eating vegan makes her feel more energetic and mentally sharp, benefiting her surfing.

Billy Simmons

Billy Simmons is a vegan bodybuilder who won Mr Natural Universe in 2009. He also teaches martial arts. He was vegetarian for years beforehand enthusiastically promotes the vegan diet through organisations in his native Australia.

Billy says: "When you look at the arguments to going vegetarian or vegan, you really can't deny it's the right choice, in terms of your health, the environment and the impact you're having on others."

Bill McCarthy

Bill McCarthy is a international powerlifting competitor and strength coach. Weighing in at 110kg, his personal bests are 177kg bench press, 275kg squat and 286kg deadlift. he has competed at the Arnold Sports Festival three times and runs a powerlifting team.

Peter Ebdon

Peter is a former World Champion snooker player. He is known for his intense concentration, and is one of only two players to have compiled two maximum breaks in professional tournement play. Peter turned vegan in December 2011, which has aided his concentration.

Vicki Cosio

Vicky is a tennis player with an impressive history of tournament success into her 40s.

 

Vicky started playing tennis in high school and has never taken lessons. She plays in the “open” division, which is the highest non-professional level. Because there are no age divisions it often includes tennis teachers, retired professionals, college players and elite juniors.

 

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