A Vegan Athlete Wins His Second World Strongman Title

Tom Butts, a vegan athlete, has successfully demonstrated that it is not necessary to consume meat to achieve extraordinary strength. In a clear response to the stereotypes that associate muscle strength with the consumption of animal products, Butts has won his second world title at the 2024 World Natural Strongman Championship. This championship includes several weight categories and is reserved for athletes who compete naturally, without the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The events of the competition were extremely demanding, and Tom demonstrated his strength in tests such as lifting logs up to 120 kg, carrying a 280 kg frame, lifting a 140 kg shield over a distance, among other endurance and power challenges. Although the beginning of the competition was difficult for Tom, he managed to recover and ultimately won the overall competition with an excellent second day.

Since 2020, Tom has been following a vegan diet, a decision motivated by his ethical stance toward animals and his desire to avoid contributing to the livestock industry. To stay in shape and maintain a high protein intake, Tom includes plant-based foods rich in nutrients in his diet, such as oat shakes, soy milk, peanut butter, and protein powder, and also enjoys dishes like a red lentil balti curry with spinach and basmati rice.

Tom Butts' success at the World Natural Strongman Championship is a clear testament that veganism is not only an ethical and healthy choice, but also a lifestyle that can provide all the necessary nutrients for your physical performance. Veganism not only allows you to be strong and healthy, but it also connects you to respect for animals, as it is rooted in animal ethics: not wanting to cause suffering or exploit living beings to meet our food needs.

At the Vegan Association of Catalonia, we have a specialized nutritionist who can guide you in achieving your sports goals while following a balanced vegan diet. Remember that it is completely possible to be strong without consuming meat. In fact, a well-planned vegan diet provides all the necessary nutrients for your body, while respecting animals and our planet.