Despite widespread belief that a plant-based diet isn’t compatible with peak physical performance, numerous high-profile athletes have proven otherwise, showing that a diet rich in plant-based protein and fibre can help you to thrive and excel in the sporting world, regardless of your chosen field. Here are just a few examples to inspire you!
Motor racing
Lewis Hamilton, the British Formula 1 champion, is a passionate advocate for veganism, as reflected by his plant-based restaurant chain, Neat, which boasts five locations in London, Milan, and New York. Lewis also incorporates plant-based accessories into his racing career, ensuring that his gear and car materials are all made from sustainable materials. He has advocated for Mercedes to go completely animal-free and use plant-based leather in their cars and electrics. Through these efforts, Lewis inspires others in the sport to embrace ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
Another notable mention in motorsport is Leilani Münter, an American racing driver and environmental activist. Leilani began racing at 25 and quickly made waves, setting a women’s record in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series in 2004. Like Lewis, she uses her platform to advocate for sustainability and plant-based living.
Football
Chris Smalling, the Roma defender, initially explored veganism in order to support his wife, who had been plant-based for several years. He soon realised that adopting a plant-based diet improved his health and helped him to stay injury-free. In an interview with The Telegraph, Chris spoke about how eliminating red meat reduced his knee tendinitis, leading to faster recovery times and increased stamina on the pitch.
Other noteworthy plant-based footballers include Alex Morgan, the American forward who enhances her performance through a plant-based diet, Hector Bellerin, the Spanish right-back who advocates for sustainability and animal welfare, and Jenny Beattie, the Scottish defender, who highlights the benefits of veganism for athletic recovery. Together, these players demonstrate how a plant-based diet can positively impact performance in football.
Tennis
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star and multiple Grand Slam champion, has been a vocal advocate for a plant-based lifestyle since moving to plant-based several years ago. He attributes his impressive performance on the court to his plant-based diet, which enhances his energy levels, speeds up recovery, and promotes overall health. Novak’s success exemplifies how plant-based eating can positively impact athletic performance, inspiring both tennis fans and those interested in plant-based nutrition.
“It’s a lifestyle more than just a diet,” says Djokovic, “Because you have ethical reasons as well, being conscious of what is happening in the animal world. The slaughtering of animals and farming and everything – that’s obviously also a huge impact on climate change, which maybe people don’t talk about as much. It’s more than a performance reason for me – it’s a lifestyle, it’s something I’m really proud of.”
Another notable plant-based tennis player is Nick Kyrgios, who has ranked as high as world No. 13 in men’s singles. Nick adopted a plant-based lifestyle after witnessing the devastation of wildlife during the 2020 Australian bushfires. In a blog post, he expressed his belief in not eating animals, stating that the footage of suffering animals strengthened his resolve to go plant-based.
Olympics
Morgan Mitchell, the Australian Olympian and elite sprinter, made headlines when she competed in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, two years after adopting a plant-based diet. Featured in The Game Changers, alongside fellow plant-based athletes such as Dotsie Bausch and Scott Jurek, Morgan credits her diet with improving her performance. She even mentions her non-plant-based teammates:“After running personal best after personal best on my vegan diet, I don’t think they could argue at all.”
Other noteworthy plant-based Olympians include Lisa Hawthorne, who has made her mark in track and field, and Hannah Teter, the American snowboarder known for her exceptional performances and plant-based advocacy. Dotsie Bausch, an accomplished cyclist, has similarly inspired many with her commitment to veganism and activism in promoting plant-based nutrition in sports.
Among the 2024 podium winners were British gold and silver medallists Imogen Grant (for rowing) and Anna Henderson (for cycling), US basketball gold medallist Diana Taurasi, and South Korean gold-medal fencer Vivian Kong, to name just a few.
Swimming
Emma Garcia is a talented artistic swimmer who represents Spain on the international stage. A committed vegan since 2017, she has adopted a plant-based diet to support her health, performance, and ethical beliefs. Emma trains rigorously – for up to six hours a day – and has participated in multiple competitions, including the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 European Championships.
Her dedication shines through as she aims to inspire others about the benefits of plant-based living, especially in sport. Emma’s journey shows how a plant-based diet can fuel athletic success while also contributing to environmental sustainability.
Gymnastics
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman follows a plant-based diet to boost her energy and recovery. In The Beet, she shares that plant-based meals help her feel lighter and more in tune with her body, especially after tough workouts. Her diet includes plenty of fruits, veggies, and legumes to fuel her intense training. For Aly, it’s not just about fitness – it’s about feeling her best every day.
Young Brisbane gymnast Ada Ogieglo is gaining attention in both gymnastics and the plant-based community. She initially switched to a plant-based diet for environmental reasons but soon noticed that it improved her stamina and recovery. Whole foods such as grains and nuts, along with plant-based protein sources help Ada to stay strong and energised during training.
Check out our tips for athletes on a plant-based diet here.
Whether you want to improve your speed, endurance, or strength training, it’s all possible with a plant-based diet. Learn more about inspiring vegan athletes and their journeys at www.greatveganathletes.com.
Emily Styrka
Content Creator and Writer
