Vegan Athletes

April 23rd, 2008 · 5 Comments

When you announce to the world that you’re switching to a vegan diet, often you’re met with derision. Personally, I think it’s because people feel threatened in some way. But whatever the reason for their reactions, at some point the people you are talking with will express concern that you will be doing yourself harm. As if eating animal flesh is the only legitimate way to nourish yourself!

To support their argument, they’ll often mention that you don’t see many professional vegan athletes. Well, there may be a reason for that. Depending on the statistics you choose to refer to, vegans represent anywhere from 0.8% to 5% of the US population. If that’s the case, how many professional athletes would you really expect to be vegan? And how many of those are going to be willing to put their diet up to the scrutiny of the public. Just think how you feel when you’re eating with omnivores… Do they question everything you put in your mouth? Do they challenge you, pointing out ways in which you are not vegan?

We all know that Prince Fielder has gone vegetarian. Anyway, here’s a short list of vegan athletes (and it’s by no means comprehensive) with links to some of their sites:

Jennifer Argenti, Surfer
Rob Bell, Inline Skater
Brendan Brazier, Pro Triathlete
Molly Cameron, Cyclist
Katie Coryell, Pro Surfer
Robert Cheeke, Bodybuilder
Wendy Gabbe, Basketballer & Duathlete
Catherine Johnson, Elite Cyclist
Scott Jurek, Ultramarathoner
Tonya Kay, Dancer
Schulyer Love, Boxer
Adam Myerson, Cyclist
Kelly Lynn Nauyokas, Fitness Professional
Erica O’Connor, Inline Skater
Brent Poulsen, Triathlete
Jason Sager, Mountain Biker
Duncan Seko, Runner and Cyclist
James Southwood, Martial Artist
Tim VanOrden, Mountain Runner
Christine Vardaros, Cyclist
Maria Vlasak, Elite Duathlete
Kenneth Williams, Bodybuilder

Source: Organic Athletes.

The Vegan Bodybuilding site also offers valuable information on nutrition, supplements, and training, they even offer a recipe for an after-exercise drink. So if you’re a newer vegan athlete, this site might be of help to you.

– If you haven’t signed our petition to Oprah asking her to do a piece on factory farming, please consider doing so. We can all work together to make a difference.

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5 responses so far ↓

1 Benjamin Jones // Apr 24, 2008 at

Usually when people on the cycling team figure out I’m a vegan they’re pretty shocked. I’m not very fast, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt healthier out exercising than I do now (I ran marathons as a omnivore and a vegetarian).
2 Sheltie Girl // Apr 24, 2008 at

This is a wonderful list of vegan atheletes and so many great sites to visit. Thanks for posting this info.

Natalie @ Gluten a Go Go
3 Alex // Apr 24, 2008 at

I also wrote a post discussing this topic here:

http://www.not-quiteright.net/tvg/2008/04/carl-lewis-is-one-of.html

Thanks for the links…they are informative.
4 Gary // Apr 24, 2008 at

Thanks, this is a useful list and quick rejoinder to a common “challenge question.”

If “You don’t see many…” is a guideline for one’s behavior, perhaps a more relevant observation is that you don’t see many vegans in the cardiac and cancer wards.

My view, these days, is that most health arguments against veganism usually stem from two types of fear:

1 - Fear of leaving a comfort zone and venturing into unknown territory. (”What would happen if I gave up meat, dairy and eggs? Would I be tired? Hungry? Unsatisfied? )

2 - Fear of the awful, self-incriminating truth: If you can convince yourself that a vegan diet is unhealthy, then you can superficially justify killing animals.
5 Lane // Apr 24, 2008 at

Hi Benjamin. That’s wonderful, glad to hear it!

Natalie - we figured it would be good to provide that information. And really, it’s information we were easily able to compile. I’m sure there are many more veg*n athletes out there.

Alex — Excellent - and we don’t have much overlap!

Gary - I will definitely add the “you don’t see any vegans in the cardiac /cancer wards” rejoinder to my repertoire!
As for the health arguments against veganism. I think #1 is the primary concern of most people. I also believe that we are so brainwashed by the meat and dairy industries, that unless we make a concerted effort to do our own research, we probably think we know enough. After all, we’ve been eating for our entire lives and most of us don’t appear to be malnourished.