A question that is so often asked of vegans is ‘how do you get enough protein?’ (The reality is that most of us consume more protein from plant sources than we are able to use.) 

So when it comes to elite athletes, the general public are even more shocked to find that those at the top of their chosen sport employ a vegan lifestyle to power their performance.

Notable vegan sports superstars include marathon runner Sally Eastall, former world champion middleweight boxer Keith Holmes, champion tennis player Martina Navratilova, six-time Ironman Champion and first inductee into the Ironman Hall of Fame Dave Scott and Ultramarathoner Scott Jurek.

Most recently, pro NFL player Tony Gonzalez switched to a vegan diet after reading The China Study. He feared for his health as a result of the diet needed to maintain his 6ft 5in, 247lb frame. As a blocker in the NFL, size and strength are of utmost importance and consequently Gonzalez was eating high fat, high protein foods such as steaks, chops, burgers and pizza as diet staples. The kind of heart-stopping food most reasonable doctors would advise you to avoid.

Despite the stigma attached to a vegan diet and the ribbing he received in the locker room, Gonzalez managed to stick to a plant-based regime, including foods such as soy protein powder and Brazilian acai juice to maintain his bulk. The results speak for themselves, with Gonzalez breaking both the touchdown and career reception records in the 2007 season. He also claimed to have more energy whilst out on the field.

Another sporting highlight for vegan athletes in 2007 was the rise of Ultimate Fighter, Mac Danzig. Danzig became vegan around four years ago, driven by his belief in animal rights. When it comes to humans he doesn’t show the same mercy, however, as Danzig destroys fellow competitors on the hit TV show The Ultimate Fighter. Maintaining a diet of brown-rice protein, beans, soy, nuts and vegetables, audiences were more than amazed at Danzig’s show of fitness and brute strength.

Although no studies are conclusive as to whether or not a vegan diet improves physical performance, there is certainly extensive anecdotal evidence that shows a plant-based diet provides optimal health and can be used to succeed at high levels in sports.

WORDS: aduki