One of the many myths associated with plant-based living revolves around nutrition and the notion that to be truly “healthy” you need to eat animal products. Next to mountain of scientific data proving to the contrary, there are plenty of very successful plant-based athletes who have succeeded in their craft and dispelled old myths along the way.
In honor of Black History Month, we feature some of the many vegan athletes who have revolutionized their sport.
SEBA JOHNSON: Seba has been an inspiration to many since appearing at the age of 14 at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. The feat made her the first black woman to ski at the Olympics, as well as an athlete. youngest alpine skier in Olympic history. Raised by an activist mother, Seba has been a vegetarian since birth and has never eaten animal products. Along with proof of her athletic achievements, Seba wants people to know that it’s really possible to become a vegetarian athlete. “Obviously you can – I made history as a 14-year-old and that’s something a meat-eater or a non-meat-eater has ever done.” Seba explained at the 2017 Animal Equality Gala. “I think it’s a misconception when people think you have to have animal flesh and animal blood to be strong, healthy and muscular – that’s completely untrue.”
JOHN SALLEY: John, a four-time NBA champion, has been a vegetarian for over 30 years, turning people around after learning that many NBA players die prematurely from heart attacks or heart complications. “You can’t have all that animal fat in your veins,” says John, who also comments on the correlation between sports success and a plant-based diet, “I think The main reason that vegetarian athletes are champions is because they are vegetarian. John promotes vegetarianism in his daily life through advocacy and business, including vegan cheese, coconut sugar and his own brand of vegan liquor, Vegan Vine.
DAVID CARTER: David, also known as 300 Pound Vegan, was enlisted as an NFL manager in 2011 and played football for the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. The sport finally affected his body, and while watching Forks Over Knives, David wants to make a change. David said, “During the hour and a half of the movie, I decided to switch to a compassionate lifestyle for both myself and all other sentient beings. “Life, as I know it, has changed forever.” David is now a huge advocate for a plant-based lifestyle, telling people around the country about the benefits of being cruelty-free. Photo credit Daniella Hehmann.
LEWIS HAMILTON: Four-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis is considered by many to be the greatest racing driver of his generation and the greatest of all time. Living a plant-based lifestyle for almost two years, Lewis credits this diet for his successes. “I feel the best I’ve ever felt physically and mentally,” Lewis said after winning the 2017 US Grand Prix. Lewis also uses his social media platforms to raise awareness. aware of the pleasures of domesticated animals, such as in this lesson on his Instagram. “We all have a voice, I have this platform and so not using it correctly would be my mistake,” Lewis wrote with a photo of a dead pig and other animals. her piglet. “This is why I decided to switch to a plant-based vegan diet.”
VENUS WILLIAMS: Venus, officially world number 1 in singles and doubles tennis and a seven-time Grand Slam title winner, has been on a raw plant-based diet after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and recommended by your doctor. “When I started, I fell in love with the concept of fueling your body in the best possible way,” says Venus. Health magazine. “It not only helps me on the pitch, but I feel like I’m doing the right thing for me.” Damon Winter of the image credit New York Times.
MUCH MORE: These are just a few examples of champion vegan athletes using their background and success to show the world the benefits of being compassionate and having more people excel professionally. through a plant-based lifestyle. Are you looking to change yourself? We can help!
LEARN MORE ABOUT SWITCHING TO A PLANT DIET!
Want to learn about other great black vegan activists? Visit Black Vegans Rock on Instagram.
