50 Professional Athletes Who Are Vegan

If you still picture vegans as fragile people nibbling on lettuce, it’s time to update the mental slideshow.
Around the world, some of the most powerful, fast, and ridiculously fit human beings are thriving on plants.
From NFL linebackers to Olympic gold medalists and world-class bodybuilders, vegan and fully plant-based
professional athletes are proving you can build muscle, win medals, and smash records without steak.

In this guide, we’ll look at 50 professional athletes who are vegan or follow a fully plant-based performance diet.
Some are 100% vegan for ethical reasons; others use a strict plant-based way of eating to recover faster and extend
their careers. Together they show what’s possible when elite training meets fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes.

Vegan vs. Plant-Based: What Counts for This List?

A quick note before we sprint ahead: in everyday media, the words vegan and
plant-based get used almost interchangeably. Strictly speaking:

• Vegan usually means no animal products in food and often in lifestyle (clothing, cosmetics, etc.).
• Plant-based usually focuses on diet food comes almost or entirely from plants, often for health and performance.

For this article, we’re focusing on professional athletes who are either openly vegan or who follow a
long-term, fully plant-based diet for training and competition. Where someone is famously “almost vegan”
or vegetarian but widely cited in vegan-athlete discussions, we’ll mention that nuance so you’re not misled.

Endurance Machines Powered by Plants

If there’s one arena where vegan athletes have loudly silenced the doubters, it’s endurance sports.
These athletes run, ride, and grind for hours on legs powered by lentils and oats.

1. Scott Jurek – Ultramarathon Legend

Scott Jurek is one of the most iconic vegan athletes alive. The ultramarathon star has won brutal races like
the Western States 100 and the Badwater Ultramarathon, often while preaching the benefits of a vegan diet.
He famously fueled his record-setting run on the Appalachian Trail with plant-based meals packed with beans,
grains, and veggies. His career alone is enough to retire the “You need meat for endurance” myth.

2. Rich Roll – Ultra-Endurance Triathlete

Rich Roll went from out-of-shape lawyer to one of the world’s fittest men on a 100% plant-based diet.
He’s completed multiple ultra-distance triathlons and the legendary EPIC5 challenge five Iron-distance
triathlons in under a week. His story is less “inspirational poster” and more “living proof that middle-aged
knees can still fly if you feed them properly.”

3. Fiona Oakes – Record-Breaking Marathoner

British distance runner Fiona Oakes has run and won some of the toughest marathons on Earth,
including races at the North Pole and in the Sahara. She’s also missing a kneecap in one leg and
has been vegan since her teens. Between running a sanctuary and breaking world records, she really
doesn’t leave much room for excuses.

4. Morgan Mitchell & 5. Kaylin Whitney – Plant-Based Sprinters

Australian sprinter Morgan Mitchell and U.S. 400-meter specialist Kaylin Whitney stepped into the spotlight
as part of the next generation of plant-powered runners. Both have credited their fully plant-based diets
with helping them recover faster from intense track sessions, keep inflammation down, and hold their own
against fierce international competition.

6. Carl Lewis – Sprinting on Plants

Track and field legend Carl Lewis adopted a vegan or very strict plant-based diet for parts of his
career and has said publicly that his best performances came when he was eating this way. Considering
those “best performances” include nine Olympic gold medals, that’s not a bad testimonial.

7. Brendan Brazier – Triathlete and Performance Nutritionist

Former Ironman triathlete Brendan Brazier shifted to a vegan diet and later built a career helping other
athletes do the same. He’s known for emphasizing recovery foods, stress-reducing nutrition, and simple
plant-based recipes that make training fuel feel more like a lifestyle and less like punishment.

Power and Strength on a Vegan Plate

“You can’t build muscle without meat” is the gym myth that refuses to die. These strength, power,
and physique athletes politely disagree with very large biceps.

8. Patrik Baboumian – Strongman and World-Record Holder

Patrik Baboumian is a former strongman champion famous for carrying absurd amounts of weight think
yokes heavier than small cars while proudly wearing “Vegan Badass” shirts. His message is simple:
if the world’s strongest people can thrive without animal products, clearly protein is not exclusive to steak.

9. Kendrick Farris – Olympic Weightlifter

U.S. Olympic weightlifter Kendrick Farris went vegan in the mid-2010s and continued to compete at the highest level,
including representing the United States at the Rio Olympics. He’s spoken about feeling lighter, clearer,
and more focused in training once he committed to a plant-based diet.

10. Nimai Delgado – IFBB Pro Bodybuilder

Nimai Delgado is a professional bodybuilder who has literally never eaten meat in his life and later
transitioned from vegetarian to fully vegan. He competes on the IFBB stage with textbook symmetry and size,
all built from plants. He also coaches other athletes on how to hit bodybuilding-level protein targets
with tofu, beans, and protein-rich plant foods instead of chicken and fish.

11. Torre Washington – Vegan Bodybuilder on the Big Stage

Torre Washington has been vegan since the 1990s and is an IFBB Pro bodybuilder, regularly placing in top spots
at major shows. Recently, he even qualified for Mr. Olympia as a fully vegan competitor an enormous milestone
in one of the most physique-obsessed sports on earth. When people insist you “need” eggs and whey to grow,
Torre’s competition photos say otherwise.

12. Robert Cheeke – Vegan Bodybuilding Pioneer

Long before vegan lifting was cool on Instagram, Robert Cheeke was competing in bodybuilding shows and
proving that muscle and compassion could co-exist. He later co-authored The Plant-Based Athlete,
helping popularize vegan performance nutrition among serious lifters and weekend warriors alike.

13. Dotsie Bausch – Olympic Cyclist

Dotsie Bausch rode onto the podium at the London Olympics in her 30s, becoming one of the oldest medalists
in her cycling discipline powered by a plant-based diet. She’s since become a vocal advocate for vegan eating,
speaking about how it helped her recover, train harder, and extend her career.

Court, Field, and Ice: Team-Sport Vegans

It’s one thing to control your own race pace. It’s another to line up in contact sports where everyone is
huge, fast, and trying to knock you over. These team-sport pros show that a vegan diet can support serious
power, speed, and toughness.

Vegan and Plant-Based Stars of the NBA and WNBA

14. Kyrie Irving

NBA guard Kyrie Irving has publicly talked about going plant-based and later experimenting with vegan eating.
During stretches when he’s stuck to a fully plant-powered routine, he’s said he feels lighter, recovers faster,
and has more energy on the court. Given his quick cuts and handles, that added agility certainly shows.

15. Chris Paul

Multiple-time All-Star Chris Paul moved toward a fully plant-based diet in the latter part of his career,
partially inspired by other vegan athletes and documentaries. He credits plant foods with helping him manage
inflammation and bounce back after tough games, which is kind of a big deal when you’re logging heavy minutes
in your mid-30s.

16–19. JaVale McGee, Wilson Chandler, John Salley, and Diana Taurasi

Center JaVale McGee, forward Wilson Chandler, and retired champion John Salley have all publicly embraced vegan
or near-vegan diets, and have spoken about feeling healthier, lighter, and more energetic as a result. On the
women’s side, WNBA superstar Diana Taurasi has been associated with a plant-forward performance approach, showing
that you can dominate the hardwood on a menu heavy in plants rather than steak dinners.

Plant-Powered NFL Players

20. Derrick Morgan & 21. David Carter

Linebacker Derrick Morgan went fully vegan while playing for the Tennessee Titans and became a central figure
in the plant-based NFL movement. His teammate, former defensive lineman David Carter, is nicknamed the
“300 Pound Vegan” and used a totally plant-based diet to fuel his size and strength in one of the NFL’s
most physical positions.

22–25. Colin Kaepernick, Cam Newton, Theo Riddick, Deatrich Wise Jr.

Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, former MVP Cam Newton, running back Theo Riddick, and defensive
end Deatrich Wise Jr. have all embraced vegan or fully plant-based diets for at least significant stretches
of their careers. Many of them cite quicker recovery, less joint pain, and better overall health as key reasons
they stuck with plants.

26. Wesley Woodyard & 27. Griff Whalen

Linebacker Wesley Woodyard joined a wave of Titans players who went plant-based during a playoff run, later
saying his energy and stamina improved dramatically. Wide receiver Griff Whalen has been fully vegan for years
and has credited the switch with helping him stay lean, fast, and durable enough to fight for roster spots
in a league where every inch counts.

Soccer, Volleyball, and Rugby: Quick Feet, Green Plates

28. Alex Morgan

U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan adopted a vegan diet and has said it helps her train more, recover quicker,
and feel less fatigued. She’s a World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist hardly a “weak” outcome.
Her advocacy for animal rights and plant-based eating has also inspired plenty of younger players.

29. Héctor Bellerín

Spanish full-back Héctor Bellerín is one of the most visible vegan footballers in Europe. He’s talked openly
about going vegan for both performance and environmental reasons, and has been recognized for his sustainability
work alongside his play at the top levels of European football.

30–31. Jermain Defoe and Heather Mitts

English striker Jermain Defoe extended his career well into his 30s while leaning into a plant-based diet,
crediting it along with recovery techniques for helping his body feel younger than his birth certificate.
On the U.S. side, former national team defender and three-time Olympic gold medalist Heather Mitts went vegan
after learning more about health and animal welfare, and now helps other athletes explore plant-based training.

32–34. Macris Carneiro, Ana Carolina da Silva, and Marina Fioravanti

Brazilian volleyball standouts Macris Carneiro and Ana Carolina da Silva, along with rugby sevens player
Marina Fioravanti, are all known for following vegan or fully plant-based diets while competing at the
Olympic level. They’ve been nicknamed things like “the vegan fairy” and speak about how plants help them
stay explosive through long tournaments.

Combat Sports and Fighters on Plants

35. Nate Diaz

UFC star Nate Diaz has followed a largely vegan, plant-based lifestyle for years. Known for insane cardio
and durability, he’s said plant foods help him handle huge training volumes. Watching him still throw punches
in the fifth round, it’s hard to argue.

36–38. Mac Danzig, Ashlee Evans-Smith, and Bryant Jennings

Former UFC fighter Mac Danzig has long been open about being vegan, including during his time in the Octagon.
Fighter Ashlee Evans-Smith and heavyweight boxer Bryant Jennings have also trained and fought while
following plant-based diets, challenging the stereotype that combat athletes must live on chicken and eggs.

39–40. David Haye and Cam F. Awesome

Former heavyweight champion David Haye adopted a vegan diet later in his boxing career to help performance
and recovery, and spoke frequently about how it helped his joints feel better. Amateur boxing star Cam F. Awesome,
known for his charismatic personality and activism, also competes as a vegan, using his platform to talk about
plant-based living and social issues.

Ice, Blades, Boards, and Extreme Heights

Not all vegan athletes live on courts and tracks. Some fly over ice, waves, or cliffs and still power
those feats with plants.

41. Meagan Duhamel – Olympic Figure Skater

Canadian pair skater Meagan Duhamel became vegan in 2008 and went on to win multiple world titles and
Olympic medals. She often talks about how her plant-based diet improved her energy and helped her feel
mentally sharper on the ice crucial when you’re landing throws and twists at high speed.

42. Seba Johnson – Vegan Since Birth

Seba Johnson made Olympic history as the youngest alpine ski racer ever and the first Black woman to ski
at the Winter Games. She has been vegan since birth and remains an outspoken advocate for animals and
the environment, proving that a lifelong vegan lifestyle can absolutely coexist with elite performance.

43. Vivian Kong – Olympic Fencing Champion

Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong, an Olympic gold medalist in women’s épée, has spoken about following a vegan
or very strict plant-based diet in recent years. She credits the change with helping her recover faster and
feel stronger in competition an edge that matters when every touch could decide a medal.

44. Tia Blanco – Pro Surfer

Professional surfer Tia Blanco has been vegan since her teens and has won multiple major surfing competitions.
She often shares plant-based recipes and training tips, and highlights how a vegan diet fits perfectly with
her love for the ocean and animals she’s literally floating above during competitions.

45. Steph Davis – Climber and BASE Jumper

Free climber and BASE jumper Steph Davis is known for huge, bold ascents and wingsuit flights all while
eating a vegan diet and speaking openly about animal rights. When you’re hanging by your fingertips hundreds
of feet up a cliff, you really want your nutrition to work. Hers clearly does.

46. Leilani Münter – Vegan Race Car Driver

Former race car driver Leilani Münter is both a speed addict and a passionate environmentalist. A long-time
vegan, she used her career in motorsport to raise awareness about plant-based diets, clean energy, and animal
protection, often racing with vegan or environmental slogans on her car.

47. Virat Kohli – Plant-Based Cricket Superstar

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli is frequently cited in discussions of plant-powered athletes. In recent years
he has followed a strictly vegetarian, mostly plant-based diet and has spoken about giving up meat to improve
his energy, reduce inflammation, and manage health issues. While he’s sometimes labeled “vegan” in headlines,
he’s more accurately a highly disciplined plant-based athlete who shows how far you can go without meat.

48–50. Michael Thomas, Kenny Stills, and More Game Changers

New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas, wideout Kenny Stills, and others such as Jurrell Casey and
Tye Smith have been featured in the documentary The Game Changers and related coverage as examples of NFL
players who embraced plant-based eating. Some went fully vegan for periods; others used plant-based phases to
reduce inflammation and boost performance. Together with the athletes above, they represent a broader trend:
more pros than ever are intentionally leaning into plants for performance, health, and ethics.

What Vegan Athletes Say Their Diet Actually Feels Like

Reading a list of names is one thing. Hearing how these athletes describe their real-life experience on
vegan or plant-based diets adds another layer and it’s surprisingly consistent across sports.

Faster Recovery and Less “Day After” Pain

Many vegan athletes report that the biggest change isn’t during the workout; it’s the morning after.
NFL defenders like Derrick Morgan and Wesley Woodyard have talked about feeling less sore and sluggish
after games when they switched to plant-based meals. Endurance athletes such as Scott Jurek and Rich Roll
echo the same thing: when your plate is full of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes, your body
seems to bounce back faster from heavy training loads.

That’s a theme in sports nutrition research too plant-forward diets tend to be high in anti-inflammatory
compounds and low in saturated fat, which may help reduce chronic inflammation that builds up over time.
Athletes often describe this difference subjectively as “my joints don’t feel as grindy” or “I can hit
another hard session sooner.”

Lighter, Steadier Energy

Another common experience is a shift in how energy feels during the day. Instead of big highs and crashes
tied to heavy meat-and-cheese meals, many vegan athletes describe a more steady, even energy curve.
Virat Kohli has talked about feeling “120%” energy after ditching meat, while plant-powered NBA players
mention that they don’t feel weighed down by pre-game meals anymore just fueled.

For endurance athletes, that steadiness can mean fewer mid-race stomach issues. High-fiber, high-carb
plant foods can be tailored into easily digestible meals and snacks that keep blood sugar stable
without making the gut revolt halfway through a marathon or triathlon.

Mindset, Identity, and Ethics

For many on this list, being vegan isn’t only about performance it’s about identity and values.
People like Patrik Baboumian, Seba Johnson, Steph Davis, Meagan Duhamel, and Alex Morgan talk about
animal welfare, environmental impact, or social justice as core reasons for staying vegan.
That sense of purpose can become its own performance enhancer: it’s easier to stay disciplined with
food choices when those choices feel deeply meaningful.

Several athletes also describe a mental shift toward mindfulness. When you stop eating “by default”
and start planning meals around plants, you tend to pay more attention to what you’re putting in your body.
That awareness often bleeds into sleep habits, stress management, and training quality.

Challenges They’re Honest About

Of course, it’s not all smoothie bowls and podiums. Some athletes admit the transition can be tricky:

• They have to learn how to get enough calories and protein from plants, especially in sports with huge energy demands.
• Travel days can be a scavenger hunt for decent vegan options near stadiums, arenas, and hotels.
• Teammates may be skeptical at first until they see performance and body composition changes up close.

That’s why many of the athletes above work with dietitians, chefs, or experienced vegan coaches.
Once they learn how to build balanced plant-based meals with adequate protein, iron, calcium, B12,
and omega-3s, most say the diet becomes second nature just another part of being a pro.

What This Means for Everyday Athletes

You don’t have to be an Olympian or NFL starter to borrow ideas from these vegan pros. Their experiences
suggest a few practical takeaways for anyone who trains:

• Plants can absolutely support serious performance. Muscle and endurance aren’t exclusive to meat-eaters.
• Recovery matters. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich nature of plant foods may help your body bounce back.
• Planning is key. Whether you’re vegan or just “vegan-curious,” a little meal prep goes a long way.
• You can start small. Many athletes eased in with one plant-based meal per day or a few vegan days per week before going all-in.

The big picture? Vegan and plant-based athletes aren’t magical unicorns. They’re humans who decided that
fueling their bodies with plants aligned with their goals and then proved on the world stage that it works.
Whether you want to run your first 5K or simply feel less creaky on Monday mornings, their stories show
that a greener plate might be worth a try.

Conclusion

From ultramarathons to slam dunks, heavy deadlifts to high-speed tackles, vegan and plant-based athletes
are quietly rewriting the rulebook on what athletic fueling can look like. This list of 50 pros is far from
complete there are many more across sports and levels but it makes one thing very clear:
a thoughtfully planned vegan or fully plant-based diet can support world-class strength, speed, and endurance.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could perform well on plants, these athletes have already done
the experiment for you. Their results: medals, rings, records, and long careers with a side of
better recovery and a smaller footprint on the planet.