More Like Paul is directed by Damian Sciberras of Short Stop Films, a Devon-based impact filmmaker who has been working on the documentary for the past two years.

In an Instagram post featuring the first-look trailer for More Like Paul, Sciberras described Youd as “incredible,” and said the upcoming film will be a “life-affirming documentary about resilience, purpose, and the power of leading by example – at any age.”

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A post shared by Damian Sciberras (@shortstopfilms)

Youd will need to average approximately six “ultras” per year to meet his target of 100. Sciberras recently told the Bloody Vegans Podcast that Youd has completed about 20 so far.

Read more: New Film Merges Art, Disability, And Animal Rights – How To Support ‘Liberty’

‘I’m as healthy as I’ve ever been’

Youd is an experienced runner and fundraiser, and completed a 31-mile (50km) ultra-distance marathon in March to raise money for animal rights charity Viva!. Advocacy group Running On Plants – which offers advice and challenges for people looking to learn about plant-based running – has supported Youd’s efforts. He is also a member of Vegan Runners.

“I want to do as much as I can for the animals,” said Youd in the trailer. “People use the word ‘compassionate,’ but I prefer the word respect. You should respect the life of an animal.”

Speaking to the BBC, Youd said that he felt “no pain” from his previously debilitating osteoarthritis after adopting a vegan diet 20 years ago. Several studies indicate that following a plant-based diet can reduce inflammation, manage joint pain, and promote longevity.

Youd completed his first ultra in 2021, the 62.1-mile (100km) Devon coast-to-coast, and is also challenging himself to do one million press-ups before he turns 90 years old. He completes at least 1,000 every three days and passed the 650,000 mark in 2023.

“I’m as healthy as I’ve ever been, I’m as fit as I’ve ever been, and I am living my best life,” said Youd. “I’m on no meds, and I want to keep going as long as I can.”

Read more: The Longevity ‘Superfood’ That Could Extend Your Life

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

The limited-edition capsule, unveiled at Milan Design Week earlier this month, features hoodies, t-shirts, and shorts made entirely from regenerative plant-based materials – and they’re even fully compostable. 

Each piece is made without synthetics or plastics. Once worn out, the garments can be buried in the earth without leaving behind microplastics or toxic residues.

“This is just the beginning – the next evolution of sportswear made for athletes and built for the planet,” the two brands said in a joint statement. 

Read more: Fur Production Has Plummeted To Lowest Level In Years

This marks the first major product launch from UNLESS since it was acquired by Under Armour. Founded in 2020 by former Adidas executive Eric Liedtke, UNLESS is thought to be the world’s first plant-based, zero-plastic regenerative fashion brand. In line with its commitment to a plastic-free future, it creates clothing and footwear using natural materials that can be safely returned to the environment after being worn. 

The collection

The collection draws inspiration from skate, surf, and outdoor cultures, according to Under Armour. Despite being biodegradable, the garments are built to meet everyday durability standards.

The plant-based capsule collection is available exclusively at the Under Armour Brand House in Baltimore. Prices range from $30 to $160. We don’t yet know if or when the products will be available to buy online or elsewhere.

Read more: UGG Announces Launch Of Vegan Boots 

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

So what do they actually eat to fuel their bodies through incredible feats of strength, endurance, and skill? Here are what five top athletes think are the best sources of protein from plants.

Read more: Exclusive: Olympians Sign Open Letter Asking For Plant-Based Olympics

Katya Gorbacheva

US-based nationally qualified powerlifter Katya Gorbacheva competes with the Vegan Strong PlantBuilt Team. She has bench pressed 85.7 kg (193 lb), squatted 165 kg, and deadlifted a whopping 182.5 kg. And she does it all without any animal products.

Gorbacheva previously told Plant Based News (PBN) that she gets all the protein she needs from tofu, seitan, and vegan meat alternatives. Her diet is also packed with fruits, vegetables, and grains like buckwheat, which is particularly rich in the amino acids lysine and arginine.

Tofu is among the best sources of plant-based proteins since it’s made from soy beans, which are comparable to meat for protein content. Tofu is nutrient-dense and rich in isoflavones which may help lower cholesterol.

Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten and is packed with protein while being low in fat. While it’s not a good choice for people with a gluten intolerance, for anyone else looking to fuel their bodies while training, it’s a great option.

Patrik Baboumian

Vegan strongman Patrik Baboumian recommends beans as a great source of protein. He transitioned from vegetarianism to veganism is 2011, the same year he won the title of Germany’s Strongest Man. He has set multiple world records and appeared on Netflix film The Game Changers in 2018. 

To power those massive muscles, Baboumian eats a lot of legumes, nuts, and seeds. In a 2019 YouTube video, he described what he eats in a day, though he noted his diet was always evolving. Along with vitamin supplements, in the video he has a soy isolate protein shake and a fruit smoothie with more protein powder added in. For lunch he prepared a tomato salad alongside fries, falafel and vegan sausage, as well as grilled peppers. His next meal was lots of vegetables and tofu.

Diana Taurasi

Dianan Taurasi has only just retired from a stellar career playing basketball for WNBA team Phoenix Mercury. She is the league’s all-time leading scorer and has six Olympic gold medals to her name. She has been vegan since 2016, and told Bon Appetit in an interview that she “felt the change instantly” with her body able to recover faster and her performance on the court improving.

Read more: Vegan Strong Team Wins 48 Gold Medals At Mr. America

In the interview she revealed that her breakfasts consisted of soy milk smoothies blended with hemp, flaxseed, and chia seeds. Soy, hemp seeds, and chia seeds are particularly rich sources of plant protein. For lunch, Taurasi said she would eat air-fried tofu, broccoli, and rice, while dinner would be vegetable-packed enchiladas topped with loads of vegan cheeses.

Meagan Duhamel

“I wasn’t a world champion before I was vegan, I was a world champion because I was vegan,” Meagan Duhamel told Bon Appetit. Duhamel is a Canadian Olympic figure skater with a gold medal for pairs figure skating in the 2018 Winter Olympics and seven national titles. She went vegan in 2008 and shares vegan recipes and nutrition tips through her social media account @lutzofgreens. She is now retired and coaches other skaters. According to Great Vegan Athletes, she has said that one of her “proudest accomplishments has been going vegan.”

To support her athletic performance, she would eat homemade protein cookies made with chickpeas and peanut butter as well as lentil pastas. On @lutzofgreens she shares protein-packed recipes such as a Beyond Meat fried rice made with quinoa and lentils and a chickpea avocado salad. She describes the salad as “a great option for athletes! High in protein and rich in healthy fats” which athletes need “because it’s the primary fuel for low to moderate intensity exercise.”

Kendrick Farris

Olympic weightlifter and American weightlifting record-holder Kendrick Farris has credited his vegan diet with helping his body recover faster and giving him more mental clarity. He has also said he doesn’t worry about tracking his protein intake because what matters is how food makes him feel. He told Men’s Journal in 2018 that black beans and trail mix with almonds, cashews, and pistachios are among his go-to foods, and all are packed with protein. Farris also recommend to PBN a few foods that he thinks are great for building strength.

One is hemp. More than 25 percent of the calories from hemp seeds are from high quality protein, containing good amounts of all the essential amino acids. They’re also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and various minerals. Hemp can be consumed as seeds or as a protein powder.

Read more: Most Americans Wrongly Think It’s Important To Eat Animal Products For Protein

Farris told PBN bamboo shoots are another good food for strength training. They aren’t widely consumed outside of Southeast and East Asia, but they are worth seeking out for their nutritional value. They’re packed with vitamins, fiber, and minerals, and are a good source of protein. Their protein and nutrient content both increase with fermentation too, and jars of fermented bamboo shoots are pretty readily available at health food stores.

This article was written by Claire Hamlett on the PBN Website.

Signatories include Olympic weightlifter Kendrick J. Farris, Olympic rock climber Alexander Megos, Olympic weightlifter Angeline Berva, Olympic road cyclist Simon Gescheke, and Paralympic swimmer Sarah Bofinger. Other top athletes such as France’s “strongest woman” Angeline Berva and vegan strongman Patrik Baboumian also signed the open letter.

“As a vegan athlete, I’ve experienced how a plant-based lifestyle not only fuels peak performance but also aligns with a vision of sustainability and compassion,” said Farris, who has been vegan for over a decade and appeared in 2018’s documentary The Game Changers.

The open letter is addressed to LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover and begins by thanking him for his commitment to an eco-friendly approach to the next Olympic Games. The letter notes that the 2024 games in Paris set a strong precedent by making 60 percent of its meals vegan, but suggests that “Los Angeles can do even better” when it hosts the Olympics in 2028.

“Advocating for a vegan Olympics in Los Angeles is a powerful statement about our collective responsibility to protect the planet and promote a kinder, healthier future,” added Farris. “Together, we can show the world that greatness thrives on compassion.”

Read more: Vegan Strongman Patrik Baboumian Shares His Favorite Protein Sources

LA28: animal charities call for plant-based Olympics

The open letter was organized by Jenny Canham, the director of outreach and engagement at the nonprofit Animal Outlook. Canham began calling for a plant-based Olympics last year and highlighted the “incredible strides” LA has made with plant-based initiatives recently.

In 2024, West Hollywood announced a “groundbreaking” new policy of providing plant-based food by default at all council-run events. Also in 2024, Los Angeles County passed a motion that required all departmental food to be plant-based by default.

Animal agriculture is a top contributor to the climate crisis. Plant proteins have an 89 percent lower environmental impact than animal-derived meat, with comparable nutrients and myriad health benefits.

LA28 will see participation from around 15,000 athletes and the attendance of millions of visitors. At 2024’s games, hundreds of chefs prepared more than 40,000 meals every day.

Plant Based News has contacted the Olympics for comment.

Read more: The Top 10 Most Vegan-Friendly Cities In The World

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: Evanna Lynch Narrates New Short Film ‘Sanctuary’

Oakes will run 25 miles daily – the equivalent of eight back-to-back Park Runs – between December 1 and December 25 to fundraise. According to her GoFundMe page, a challenge sponsor will double the total amount raised by Oakes, which currently sits at GBP £21,560.

The runner chose 625 miles as this is the rough daily cost in pounds of feeding the 400 animals who live at her sanctuary. Winter is a difficult time for all sanctuaries as outgoings skyrocket, but a cost of living crisis will make the coming months particularly challenging.

Oakes will carry out all her normal sanctuary work around a time-consuming daily running schedule. She also ran 500 miles last December as a fundraising challenge, and the year before ran 52 miles on Christmas Eve. This challenge will have the highest mileage to date.

Read more: Vegan Strong Team Wins 48 Gold Medals At Mr. America

Fiona Oakes ‘thriving’ after 50 years of veganism

Oakes is an acclaimed distance runner with four world records for marathons and many other notable achievements in the sport. She founded Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary in 1993.

“The Sanctuary was born out of a need to find a safe haven for the animals I already had in my care,” Oakes previously told Plant Based News. “But when I had my own land I was given the potential to be able to rescue animals from the farming industry.”

Oakes has been vegan since she was six years old. She wrote on GoFundMe that in addition to fundraising for the sanctuary, this year’s goal is also about demonstrating that she can run the distance and do the work to show she is “thriving” after 50 years of veganism.

The runner has been posting daily updates on both Instagram and Patreon.

Read more: Animal Sanctuaries Need You This Winter – Here’s How To Help

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: British Olympic Team To Promote Plant-Based Eating To Kids, Parents, And Teachers

McConnell competed at this year’s WNBF World Championships in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 24, where she took home first place in the Women’s Pro Figure category. This is the second time she has held the title of Figure World Champion after a previous win in 2022.

Speaking to Great Vegan Athletes at the time, she said it was her “greatest achievement” so far. She added: “I love proving to others that you can still be a highly competitive athlete and achieve a winning physique without the use of drugs [steroids] or animal products.”

McConnell competed at the OCB Pro Yorton Cup in September of this year, where she placed first out of 33 Women’s Pro Figure competitors, winning a USD $5,000 prize.

Read more: Vegan Athlete Group Unveils High Protein Meal Plan

Plants have ‘all the protein you need’

In total, competitive bodybuilder McConnell holds professional status in figure, fit body, and bodybuilding. She is also a member of the Vegan Strong Plantbuilt team, a collective of elite, plant-based athletes spanning a range of strength-based disciplines.

McConnell has said that she went vegan in 2019 after meeting fellow pro card-holding bodybuilder Zack Belknap, who adopted a plant-based diet in 2016. Vegan athletes of all kinds are becoming increasingly common, with many individuals reporting improved performance and recovery once they swap animal-based ingredients for plants.

McConnell recently told Viva! about her go-to meals during “prep” for competition season, which typically include at least 30 grams of protein per portion. She highlighted tofu, seitan, fresh fruits, and vegan protein powders as staple ingredients in many of her meals.

“Plant proteins have all the protein you need to be strong, healthy, and competitive,” added McConnell. “Plant protein is the best because it’s better for your health, better for the planet, and better for the animals.”

Read more: Vegan Athlete Takes Double Gold At World Arm Wrestling Championships

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: Vegan Wins National Weightlifting Championships in Croatia

Andreev competed and won in both the left and right-handed events of the 90kg category at the World Armwrestling Federation’s 45th World Armwrestling Championships in August. 

This enabled him to take home two gold medals for his performance, bringing his total to 12 world titles after his first place at the European championships earlier this year. The Bulgarian athlete has also won a bronze medal for wrestling at a national level.

Andreev told Plant Based News (PBN) that he has been vegan for over five years and vegetarian for nearly seven. He has previously said that he eats lentils and beans most days, along with rice, peas, potatoes, nuts, fruit, and other nutritious plant-based and whole-food ingredients, per Great Vegan Athletes.

“Thanks to everyone who was by my side for the wishes and support,” wrote Andreev on Instagram after his most recent double gold. “Stay healthy!”

Read more: ‘I’m Vegan And A Nationally Qualified Powerlifter – Here’s What I Eat In A Day’

‘You can be a champion athlete and still be compassionate’

Vegan runners, cyclists, powerlifters, and more have all made headlines in 2024 for their achievements. In October alone, bodybuilders Guilherme Oliveira and Maddie McConnel had victories at Mr Olympia Brazil and the OCB World Championship Yorton Cup, respectively, while Melissa Busta won first place at the US Strongman Corporation National Championship.

Also in the last month, the Vegan Strong PlantBuilt team won 55 medals at the Mr America 2024 Sports Festival, of which 48 were gold. Speaking to Plant Based News (PBN) back in 2022, PlantBuilt co-founder Giacomo Marchese noted that he thought “ignorance and misinformation” were the reasons that people think elite athletes can’t excel on a vegan diet.

Talking of the team’s recent successes, Marchese said “As more people see the success the Vegan Strong PlantBuilt team has at Mr America and other competitions, they will realize that plant protein can take you to the elite levels of their sports.”

“You can be a champion athlete and still be compassionate,” he added.

Read more: 20 Vegan Recipes High In ‘Complete’ Proteins

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: British Olympic Team To Promote Plant-Based Eating To Kids, Parents, And Teachers

The Brazilian bodybuilder competed in the 102kg category, the heaviest in the event, and took first place. His victory also entitled Abomai to a “Pro Card,” which will enable him to compete at a pro level and give access to additional events, prizes, and sponsorships.

Abomai spoke to sports-focused media company Ge Globo earlier this year about his diet shortly after taking third place in another competition, Arnold Classic Brazil. The athlete first adopted a vegan diet around three years ago after experiencing some digestive issues.

He swapped the animal foods favored by other bodybuilders for “a lot of tofu” and plenty of fruit, including bananas, persimmon, and apples. He added that he eats plenty of oats – a good source of protein and fiber – as well as rice, peas, soybeans, and protein powder.

“I spent years thinking I was following a healthy diet, eating eggs, chicken, and rice,” said Abomai. “Until at one point in my career, I had a very large abdominal distension, I had reflux and took stomach medicine for ten years. And it was through the plant diet that I healed. It just brought me benefits. I recommend that people be able to do this to have benefits too.”

Read more: Vegan Wins National Weightlifting Championships in Croatia

Veganism in sport

Just this month, the Vegan Strong Plantbuilt team won 55 medals – including 48 gold – at the Mr. America 2024 Sports Festival, while Melissa Busta became the first vegan woman to place first at the US’s Strongman Corporation National Championship.

Also this month, longtime vegan Maddie McConnell won the Figure Division of the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilding (OCB) World Championship Yorton Cup, marking her second world champion accomplishment as a plant-based athlete.

Writing on Instagram, Abomai said that winning first place at Mr Olympia Brazil was “very important” and provided an opportunity to “prove my convictions.” Furthermore, with his new Pro Card, he will now be able to compete against some of the top bodybuilders in the world.

Read more: Meet The Vegan Athletes Shutting Down Stereotypes At This Year’s ‘Mr. America’ Contest

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: Daniel ‘Vegan Meathead’ Austin Breaks Three State Powerlifting Records In Las Vegas

Busta, a 36-year-old emergency room nurse, has been vegan for 11 years, while 32-year-old McConnell, a personal trainer, has been vegan for five years. They are both members of Vegan Strong PlantBuilt Team, a collective of vegan athletes who showcase the physical abilities while being ethical vegans.

The Strongman National Championship is a two-day invite-only event. The 2024 competition was only Busta’s second time taking part. Her win led to an invitation for her to compete in the prestigious 2025 Arnold Classic Amateur Strongman event in March. The OCB Yorton Cup is among the most prestigious drug-tested natural bodybuilding events in the world. It was McConnell’s first time competing in it.

Vegan for the animals

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Inspired by a fellow personal trainer who ate plant-based, McConnell decided to look into it herself. On discovering the harms of animal agriculture to the environment and the animals, she made the switch.

“Going vegan, aligning my actions with my morals, was by far the best decision I’ve ever made, and I will never go back,” she told Plant Based News (PBN).

Busta, meanwhile, first started thinking about the health impacts of the diet when she was in nursing school when she witnessed a open heart surgery. “I saw first hand what diet can do to your arteries and heart,” she said. “I couldn’t wait for that nutrition course to teach us how to prevent this and other diseases … the course was never provided.” So she did her own research into the relationship between diet and health, including watching the Forks Over Knives documentary. “It was like opening Pandora’s box; no going back.”

Read more: Vegan Wins National Weightlifting Championships in Croatia

Like McConnell, once Busta understood what happens to animals in the food system, they became her main motivation. “They are the main reason why I continue to be vegan each day!” she said. “I want to show the world you can be healthy, strong and compassionate by simply choosing peace each day with each bite!”

Veganism boosts performance

Both Busta and McConnell credit their veganism with helping them perform better.

“I went vegan the same time I started pursuing bodybuilding,” McConnell told . “All of the muscle I have built has been on a plant-based diet.” She says she has also noticed that her energy levels are generally “more steady throughout the day.” When she ate animal products, she would “often feel sluggish afterwards, like I wanted to take a nap.”

“I was vegan for years before I started sports; I owe my athleticism and success directly to that vegan diet,” said Busta. “My recovery is definitely faster than the omnivore that I train with. I walk around leaner year round which helped immensely during my body building cutting phase.” She describes her metabolism as “a well oiled machine running clean fuel.”

Facing misconceptions

Despite their obvious strength, they have both encountered continuing misconceptions about how vegans can be strong. “There is a lack of understanding how one can get protein without eating meat,” said McConnell. “So they jump to the conclusion that vegans must not be able to build muscle. I think the more people see just how successful vegan athletes can be, the more they will begin to question whether or not they actually need animal products to be healthy, athletic, strong, muscular.”

“I meet people everyday that are so surprised to learn that I am vegan,” said Busta. “Unfortunately I find that the overall perception of vegan is frail, weak and protein deficient.” She has also faced skepticism from within strongman and bodybuilding communities. “People underestimate the power of plants and their ability to build and fuel an athlete!”

McConnell’s experience with other athletes has been more supportive, however. “Some of my fellow coworkers who are personal trainers and bodybuilders are also plant-based,” she said. “My community understands that eating plant-based is a viable option to achieve any athletic endeavors.”

Busta and McConnell will compete at the Mr. America Strongman competition on October 12 in Atlantic City along with their Vegan Strong PlantBuilt teammates.

Read more: Vegan Cyclist Wins Silver At Olympics For Team GB

This article was written by Claire Hamlett on the PBN Website.

Read more: Are Almonds Really Unethical? The Truth About Their Bad Rep

Up until then, Wild had been using plastic shuttlecocks to play. But she says that she was told she’d have to transition to feather versions to compete. Wild, who has been vegan for six years, told her coach that she wasn’t comfortable using an object that’s a product of animal exploitation. Soon after, she decided to leave the sport for good. 

Wild started a campaign called “Duck Off Project,” which aims to remove feathers from the sport of badminton. “This has been very hard, but time and patience has been my silver lining,” she tells Plant Based News. “Helping me to speak up about the need of transitioning to eco-friendly shuttles, just like other sports have done.”

Feathers in badminton

Badminton is the most played racquet sport on the planet. An estimated 339 million people play at varying levels worldwide, and it also features at the Olympics. 

It’s a fast-paced game that sees players hit a shuttlecock over a net with the objective of landing it in the opponent’s court without it being returned. Both singles and doubles can play. Badminton dates back thousands of years across various ancient civilizations. Even in the earliest stages of the game, it’s thought that real bird feathers were used to some degree. The modern badminton game as we know it developed in the mid-19th century, and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) was established in 1934. Real feathers have been used in official tournaments since then. 

Each feather badminton shuttlecock is made from 16 overlapping feathers embedded around a cork base that also contains a thin layer of leather. Animal-based shuttlecocks are a single use item, as the feathers can become damaged during the game. In games, the shuttlecock is often replaced with a new one every two to four points. This means that a huge amount are used.

As part of her campaign, Wild has contacted a number of badminton clubs, all of which she says still mandate the use of feather shuttles. 

Read more: The Grim Reality Of ‘Spaghetti Chicken’

What are the rules on feather shuttlecocks?

Before 2020, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) had not approved use of any synthetic shuttlecocks. That year, however, it announced plans to begin adoption of non-animal shuttlecocks “for long-term stability.” This made it possible for shuttlecock manufacturers to “seek approval” for their synthetic shuttlecocks to be used in competitions. It granted approval for a Yonex synthetic shuttlecock to be used in competitions from the year 2021. 

The BWF states on its shuttlecock guidelines that they can be made from “natural and/or synthetic materials.” It adds that “the flight characteristics [of a synthetic shuttle] generally should be similar to those produced by a natural feathered shuttle with a cork base covered by a thin layer of leather.”

Clearly, synthetic shuttles are allowed in theory. And they are widely used at beginner level. But those made with feathers continue to feature in games at professional and top levels of the sport. Feather shuttlecocks have been historically favored due to the fact that they fly in a particular way that makes them preferable to synthetics. According to Badminton HQ: “The feathers’ ability to create a steady air resistance enables players to execute delicate drops and powerful smashes with ease, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.”

When announcing the synthetic shuttlecock approval, the BWF did state that it expects there will be “an implementation period of a number of years before the synthetic feather shuttlecock will be more widely used as the production capacity and general availability of new synthetic products will slowly increase to cover the expected demand.”

Plant Based News (PBN) contacted the BWF to ask if they had any plans to move away from shuttlecocks in the near future, or if they had a response to the Duck Off Project. At the time of writing, we have not received a reply. 

The problem with feathers

Goose and duck feathers are widely used in furniture, clothes, and accessories all over the world. The feather and down industry (the latter term referring to the fluffier feathers located close to a bird’s chest) was valued at USD $7.5 million in 2023, and it’s been forecast to grow to $16.1 million by 2033. 

Many people believe that veganism is just a diet people follow, but it’s actually a movement against animal exploitation. Those following a vegan lifestyle abstain from wearing wool, fur, leather, and avoid buying and consuming products that contain animal products or are tested on animals. In essence, vegans try to minimize their contribution to animal suffering as much as possible. Using products containing feathers, therefore, is generally regarded as incompatible with veganism. 

It’s not known exactly where badminton shuttlecock feathers are sourced from, but there’s no doubt that they are a product of animal exploitation. They will almost always come from farms that raise geese or ducks for slaughter. Some feathers are considered “byproducts” of the meat industry, and are taken from the birds after they’ve been slaughtered for meat. The use of the term “byproduct” for a product that is still lucrative in its own right – as a feather is – is arguably dubious, and feathers may therefore be considered as “coproducts.” 

Birds used in the feather industry also routinely have their feathers plucked from their wings while they’re still alive. This is widely believed to be an agonizing process for them. According to Wild, only four feathers from each wing are suitable for badminton shuttlecocks. This means that a total of four birds may be used for each one to make up the 16 total feathers. 

Yvonne Taylor, the Vice President of Corporate Project at animal rights group PETA, tells PBN that moving away from using real fathers in badminton is “long overdue.” 

“There’s nothing sporting about ripping out a bird’s plumage, whether they’re plucked while they’re still alive – which happens – or after they’ve been slaughtered, because feathers are not fabric and they are not ours to take.”

PETA has conducted a number of exposés into the feather industry that show that “birds are exploited, corners are cut, and abuse is rampant.”

“Geese and ducks are often specifically reared for their primary flight feathers,” Taylor adds. “PETA urges badminton players to always choose compassion over cruelty by opting for readily available synthetic shuttlecocks.”

A future of badminton without feathers

The Duck Off Project is aiming to encourage both the BWF and Olympics to transition to synthetic shuttlecocks. Wild wants cruelty-free options introduced in tournaments immediately, and for feather versions to be completely phased out by the 2026 Olympics. 

“The aim of this campaign is to protect the birds, get transparency, have BWF agree on updating the shuttlecock to a Vegan, Repairable, Reusable & Recyclable one for the future game of Badminton,” says Wild. “Bringing an equal alternative so everyone can be included.”

Read more: Is Toothpaste Vegan? The Animal Ingredients You Might Be Putting In Your Mouth

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Read more: Plant-Based Victoria Sponge Served At Wimbledon

The US Open, run by the USTA, will now serve more plant-based food to spectators. It aims to slash its food emissions by 25 percent by 2030. Neeti Jain, Strategic Partnerships Advisor from the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, told Plant Based News that the USTA “will first set a baseline year, and from there, will be able to calculate the carbon savings through 2030. Accordingly, they will determine how much of the menu will be plant-based in the future and how that will compare to the existing menu.”

There are multiple places to eat and drink at the US Open, hosted at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York. Nearly a million people attended the 2023 US Open over the course of the tournament. The 2024 tournament began on August 19 with the qualifying matches. It will conclude on September 8 with the Men’s Final.

Plant-Powered Challenge

New York’s Mayor Adams launched the Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge in October 2023. Businesses and organizations in NYC can voluntarily join to reduce their food-related carbon emissions.

Read more: Tennis Ace Venus Williams Invests In Vegan Marketplace PlantX – Becomes Brand’s Ambassador

The program names red meat and dairy as “the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in household food consumption.” It says New Yorkers can help to “significantly” cut the city’s emissions by eating plant-based whole foods. The Challenge launch came a year after NYC’s public hospitals made plant-based food the default for patients. In 2022, NYC’s public schools also rolled out Plant-Powered Fridays.

Signatories to the Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge are expected to develop an action plan, track their carbon emissions, and submit annual progress reports.

Read more: Why French Open Champion Novak Djokovic Eats Plant-Based

This article was written by Claire Hamlett on the PBN Website.

Read more: Vegan Cyclist Wins Silver At Olympics For Team GB

Austin competed at the USPA (United States Powerlifting Association) event last month in the 40-44 age bracket of the 75kg category. He benched 292 lbs (132.5 kg) and deadlifted 502 lbs (227.7 kg), both of which are state records. He also managed to squat 435 lbs (197.3 kg) two out of the required three times for the state record.

However, his total of 1229 lbs (557.5 kg) was also a state record, meaning that he took almost all of the records available to him at the time. Writing on Instagram, Austin summarized each set and wrote “I got 3 out of the 4 records I came for.”

“Prep and weight management went superbly. My performance on the platform today did not,” he continued. “We can always speculate “why” about these things, as there are a million potential factors which can influence how things go on meet day. I will spare you that, and just say that coach and I have some troubleshooting to do for next time.”

Read more: ‘I’m Vegan And A Nationally Qualified Powerlifter – Here’s What I Eat In A Day’

Vegan powerlifting and breaking stereotypes

Austin is an author and a musician as well as an accomplished athlete. He has been vegan since 2005, and after years of being “very skinny” began seriously powerlifting in 2011. 

Austin’s lifting resume is extensive, including three consecutive first-place National medals and a second-place medal at Ireland’s IPL Drug Tested World Championships in 2019. Last year, he took second place at the 2023 USPA Drug Tested National Powerlifting Championships along with four Texas state records. Austin has written a book named The Way of the Vegan Meathead: Eating for Strength, which comes out on audiobook next month.

He isn’t the only plant-based powerlifter excelling in the sport, either. In April, vegan athlete and relative newcomer Ana Špac became Croatia’s Senior National Champion. She told Plant Based News (PBN) that she believes veganism is a “significant factor” in her success.

Read more: 7 Times Plant-Based Athletes Triumphed In Sports In 2023

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: Vegan Cyclist Wins Silver At Olympics For Team GB

The Big Green Clash, thought to be the first eco-focused rugby event, will take place in London, UK, next month. All-vegan rugby team the Green Gazelles is spearheading the family-friendly event, which includes a Sports Climate Summit and “Eco Village” with food and entertainment.

VIP celebrity guests include entrepreneur and campaigner Heather Mills, who is providing plant-based foods via her businesses V-Bites, Alternative Stores, and Be at One, while record-breaking vegan adventure cyclist Kate Strong will ride from Wales to London to deliver the match ball. The journey is 180 miles, and Strong will be staying in the spare rooms of rugby fans on the way there. She will also be speaking at the event.

A number of other plant-based speakers will join Strong. These will include Sport Positive Founder Claire Poole, United We Are founder Connor McDonald, vegan rugby player and Green Gazelles co-founder Brendon Bale, and Plant Based News founder Klaus Mitchell. More guests will be announced closer to the event.

“The Big Green Clash isn’t just a rugby match; it’s a networking goldmine, with over 100 organizations attending our Sports Climate Summit prior to Kick Off,” said Bale in a statement. “This unique event brings together passionate environmentalists, pro athletes, and thought leaders, sparking urgent discussions on how sport can inspire a greener future.”

Read more: Plant-Based Victoria Sponge Served At Wimbledon

Big Green Clash is ‘the perfect platform’ to safeguard sport against climate change

The Green Gazelles will be playing against Richmond Rugby Club, in which McDonald described on LinkedIn as a “sustainably-led charity match” aiming to raise awareness of sustainability in sports and what individuals and teams can do.

“The Sports Climate Summit at The Big Green Clash on 8th September is the perfect platform to unite a wide range of organizations to tackle climate change and safeguard our sporting world as we know it,” McDonald told Plant Based News.

The Big Green Clash will take place at the Richmond Athletic Club in London, on September 8, 2024. Gates will open at midday and the Sports Climate Summit will begin at 1pm followed by the rugby match at 3pm. Find out more about the Big Green Clash event, and buy tickets, here.

Read more: Championship Football Team To Hold Vegan Match This Weekend

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: Vegan Cyclist Wins Silver At Olympics For Team GB

Vegan rugby team Green Gazelles are spearheading the event, which is backed by entrepreneur Heather Mills. The match will be a friendly fixture, and Mills will present the Earth Shield to the winning team.

As well as a rugby match, there will be a Sports Climate Summit with more than 100 VIPs including Sport Positive founder Claire Poole, Candy Kittens owner Jamie Laing, and record breaking cyclist Kate Strong, who will bike from Wales to London to deliver the match ball. The family-friendly event will feature a kids area, as well as an “Eco Village” with plant-based food, games, and entertainment.

Mills’ businesses VBites, Alternative Stores, and Be at One are all sponsoring the event. “As someone deeply committed to sustainability and compassionate living, I’m thrilled to back The Big Green Clash,” Mills said in a statement. “This event is a unique opportunity for us to come together, network, and drive conversations about how sports can lead the way in promoting environmental awareness and positive change.”

Read more: Vegan Wins National Weightlifting Championships in Croatia

The Big Green Clash tickets

Tickets to the event are on sale now. You can buy tickets from the Green Gazelles rugby team website. The event takes place on September 8, 2024, at Richmond Athletic Club in London.

Green Gazelles was established in 2018 by Brendon and Amy Bale. It’s a community space for sports fans who are passionate about promoting the benefits of the vegan lifestyle. The clothing and equipment used are all vegan, and the club’s goal is to promote a more ethical and sustainable world through rugby. According to Bale, the Big Green Clash is intended to “combine the positive focus and community spirit” of his club to raise awareness for the environment.

“The Big Green Clash isn’t just a rugby match; it’s a networking goldmine, with over 100 organisations attending our Sports Climate Summit prior to Kick Off,” he said in a statement. “This unique event brings together passionate environmentalists, pro athletes, and thought leaders, sparking urgent discussions on how sport can inspire a greener future.”

Read more: ‘Age Is Not A Limit’: Vegan Athlete, 66, Secures 1st Place In 48-Hour Ultramarathon

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Read more: 7 Times Plant-Based Athletes Triumphed In Sports In 2023

“I used to be like, ‘I’ll never be vegan, I love meat,” Henderson told cycling magazine Rouleur. “But I think what happens is that we all dissociate from what meat is and what animals are.” Once she “made that connection” she “couldn’t eat meat anymore or any animal products.”

She has talked publicly about veganism in the past and says she wishes there were more professional cyclists following a vegan lifestyle. “All round for me it’s been such a huge positive change in my life. And I hope that riders will make the change soon.”

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Vegans winning races

Henderson may currently be in a minority among cyclists, but there are a few other high-profile vegans winning cycling competitions.

Read more: Vegan Duathlon Athlete Crowned World Champion

Retired cyclist and triathlete Adam Hansen has attributed winning 20 grand tour races in a row to veganism improving his health. “Every time I got blood tests done with the team, they were always amazed at my results because I was the healthiest rider by far with my blood markers,” he told VeloNews. “The medics always said I had some of the best results they’d seen.”

Hansen’s fellow Australian cyclist Michael Storer has said the same, according to VeloNews. “Going vegan a few years ago definitely had an impact on my body composition. I really leaned up a lot while maintaining muscle and that for sure paid off in my climbing.” He acknowledged that he couldn’t prove that his wins were down to his diet, but said it’s “definitely clear” that “you can perform while eating vegan. I won two stages at the Vuelta as a vegan – that says enough.”

Read more: 2024 Olympics Set To Double Its Plant-Based Food Offering

This article was amended on July 30, 2024, to remove a quote erroneously attributed to Henderson that veganism made her cycle faster

This article was written by Claire Hamlett on the PBN Website.