There are hundreds of famous top level athletes -even Olympians- who are vegetarian or vegan. “Olympian of the Century” track star Carl Lewis, tennis champions Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King, cricket star Anil Kumble, Mr. International bodybuilder Andreas Cahling, Heisman trophy winner Desmond Howard, Debbie lawrence Olympic race-walker, four time Mr. Universe Bill Pearl, 4-time Olympic gold medalist Al Oerter, WBC World Middleweight Champion Keith Holmes, double Olympic Gold medalist in hurdles Edwin Moses, and Dave Scott, six-time Ironman triathlon winner, to name but a few.

And finally, two-time winner of the most grueling ultramarathon on earth is vegan Scott Jurek. Here is a description of the race quoted from a running magazine writer:

“Starting in Badwater in Death Valley and stretching 135 miles, the Badwater Ultramarathon is known as “the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet.” “The race covers 135 miles, nonstop, from Badwater in Death Valley to the trailhead of Mount Whitney in the Sierras, the highest mountain in the Lower 48. The successful runners cross three mountain ranges…85 contestants from across the world show up in the 123 degree heat for the ultramarathon. “Ultra” because this race is five marathons back-to-back with another three miles tacked on to the end.” “The winner? Vegan competior Scott Jurek, who also won the Badwater last year.