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.

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.

Baboumian, who secured the title of Germany’s Strongest Man in 2011, has long advocated for veganism, challenging misconceptions about plant-based diets and protein intake. He said that he experienced significant health improvements after going vegan.

Addressing the myth that vegan diets lack adequate protein, Baboumian emphasized the protein-rich nature of legumes. He highlighted that beans, for instance, sometimes contain approximately 25 grams of protein per 100 grams, comparable to the protein content in meat. He also dispelled the misconception that plant-based diets consist solely of low-calorie foods like salads, explaining that his diet includes substantial portions of legumes, nuts, and seeds to meet his protein and energy requirements.

“This idea that you would have to eat a huge amount of stuff really just comes from people thinking that if you’re plant-based, you’re eating carrots and broccoli and salad the whole day,” he said. “That’s not the case.”

When asked what advice he would give to kids, he kept it simple: “Eat your beans.”

Read more: Vegan Athlete Wins Women’s Pro Figure At World Championships

Baboumian’s vegan athlete journey

Baboumian’s journey toward a vegan lifestyle began in 2005 when he adopted a vegetarian diet driven by ethical concerns. He said that he had always been an animal lover, but realized it was hypocritical of him to go to efforts to save wildlife while still eating other animals. This realization prompted him to eliminate meat from his diet. Six years later, in 2011, he transitioned to a fully vegan diet after recognizing that dairy and egg consumption still contributed to animal suffering.

Baboumian has since become a world-renowned vegan athlete. In addition to winning Germany’s Strongest Man title, he has set multiple world records, including a yoke walk in 2013 where he carried 555 kilograms over 10 meters. He also appeared on Netflix film The Game Changers in 2018, which focused on the wide-ranging benefits of plant-based diets for athletes.

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

This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.

Authorities said that the “sport” – which is widely regarded as cruel – will be outlawed “as soon as practically possible.” No timeline has been announced, but an “implementation group” will work with ministers to flesh out proposals and look at countries that have introduced bans. 

“There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry around the racetrack can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs currently within the industry, the local community, and the local economy,” said Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies in a statement. 

Read more: UK Government ‘Won’t Be Commenting’ On Pre-Election Pledge To Ban Foie Gras

Greyhound racing falls out of favor

The ban received cross-party support in Wales, and a Welsh Government proposal previously found that 64.69 percent of the population supported it. A 2023 petition calling for a ban gained more than 35,000 signatures. 

Wales follows in the footsteps of countries including New Zealand (Aotearoa), which announced its own ban last December. 

Using animals for sport is highly controversial, and greyhound racing has long been condemned by animal advocacy groups over concerns that it’s exploitative and cruel.

“Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved, and running at speed around oval tracks causes significant injury to many dogs,” Dogs Trust said in a statement. “In some cases, the injuries are so severe that it is necessary to euthanize the dog.”

Read more: Why Isn’t Horse Riding Vegan? Everything You Need To Know

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

Read more: ‘5 Easy Vegan Recipes I Cook When I’m Feeling Exhausted’

In a recent YouTube video, Matthews takes viewers through a day of eating as a vegan athlete, explaining how she meets her protein goals while balancing an active lifestyle that includes two demanding workouts. Her approach debunks the myth that vegans struggle to get enough protein, showing how thoughtful choices can fuel intense training sessions.

A high-protein meal plan

The day begins with a quick protein-packed snack before her Zone 2 running session. Matthews opts for a GoMacro protein bar, which gives her the energy she needs to perform. Unlike many athletes who train fasted, Matthews emphasizes the importance of starting her workouts with fuel in her system, especially when she has multiple back-to-back training sessions. After her run, she prepares a bowl of cream of rice topped with seasonal persimmons, walnuts, and hemp seeds. This meal is high in carbs and healthy fats, designed to digest quickly and give her energy for her second workout: a challenging CrossFit session that includes weightlifting and high-intensity movements like wall balls and box jump-overs.

Read more: What I Eat In A Day: High Protein Vegan Meals

Lunch is a protein-packed sandwich starring Hodo tofu, seasoned with black salt to give it an egg-like flavor. Matthews pairs the tofu with avocado, spinach, basil, garlic, and pickled vegetables, layering these ingredients on toasted bread. The result is a quick and nutrient-dense meal that delivers protein, healthy fats, and vital greens. For a midday treat, she whips up a high-protein chocolate ice cream using her Ninja Creami. The recipe includes chocolate protein powder, vegan collagen, cacao, banana, and plant-based milk.

Dinner is a flexible and fresh bowl from a local hummus restaurant. She customizes the dish with soy chunks, cabbage, hummus, and pita. Matthews uses this meal to show how athletes can enjoy eating out while staying on track with their goals. In total, she eats 130 grams of protein during the day. Athletes need to eat more protein than the average person, and this is far more than you’re likely to need. A typical person needs around 0.75 grams per kilo of body weight. This is around 55g of protein for an average man and 45g for an average women. If you do lots of exercise, or are just after some high-protein post-gym recipes, you can use Matthews’ recipes as inspiration.

Matthews’ vegan athlete diet plan reflect her years of experience as a vegan sportsperson, carefully balancing taste, convenience, and nutrition. Her meals highlight how plant-based eating can deliver all the protein and nutrients needed for high-level performance. Whether it’s tofu, nuts, seeds, or protein powders, Matthews’ diet is proof that vegan athletes can thrive with thoughtful planning and creative recipes.

Read more: 10 High Protein Vegan Curry Recipes

This article was written by Editorial Team 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: Two Vegan Women Become Strongman And Bodybuilding Champions

Leading the team’s medal wins was powerlifter Nick Squires, who won eight in total. He achieved a combined weight of 1,700 pounds, squatting 640 pounds, benching 385 pounds, and deadlifting 675 pounds. His teammate Katya Gorbacheva was the best female lifter, with a total of 1,005 pounds. She squatted 375 pounds, benched 210 pounds, and deadlifted 420 pounds.

Elsewhere, the team took home seven medals in the strongman category: five gold, one silver, and one bronze. Ric Carroll won the Open Men’s Heavyweight, while Andrew Keys came out on top in Open Men’s Lightweight category. The kettlebell team also took home 17 medals, including 16 golds and 17 best-of-titles. In bodybuilding, Evelyn Santos won the Open bikini class.

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

The unstoppable rise of vegan athletes

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PlantBuilt was established in 2012 with the goal of promoting a plant-based lifestyle through competitive sports. The organization is composed of vegan athletes from around the world who compete in various disciplines such as bodybuilding, CrossFit, powerlifting, kettlebell sport, Strongman, and Olympic weightlifting.

Popular culture often portrays vegans as being weak and lacking in protein, but a growing number of hugely successful athletes are challenging this stereotype. PlantBuilt seeks to show that plant-based diets are not just adequate, but optimal for peak athletic performance. The team also raises awareness about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of a plant-based diet. 

“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,” said Giacomo Marchese, founder of PlantBuilt. “You can be a champion athlete and still be compassionate.”

Read more: Vegan Wins National Weightlifting Championships in Croatia

This article was written by Polly Foreman 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: 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: Don’t Believe The Myths: The Horse Racing Industry Is Rotten To Its Core

The 2024 Paris Olympics will see approximately 200 horses used in the equine sports of showjumping, dressage, and eventing. Individual and team riders representing their countries will seek to gain winning advantages which can be at the expense of horse welfare – a reality that causes horses to suffer pain and distress.

It will come as a shock to very few that following the disturbing scenes at the Tokyo Olympics, when a horse was punched in plain sight, the world of equestrian sports has fallen even further from grace. A very quick tap into a search engine and a whole library of tales of abuse surface, including horses being neglected, left bruised and bloody through over-use of painful riding aids, and punished with force when they are exhausted. Earlier this week, it was reported that Team GB dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics, due to an “error of judgement” in a coaching session a few years ago. Video footage shows Charlotte repeatedly whipping a horse on the legs.

Far from isolated cases, these abuses are simply the visible shoots from a deep-rooted cruelty that forms the very bedrock of equestrian sports.

Read more: Why Isn’t Horse Riding Vegan? Everything You Need To Know

Tokyo Olympics 2020 (held in 2021 due to covid)

At the Tokyo Olympics, the world witnessed a coach punching a horse named Saint Boy and shouting orders to whip him harder during the modern pentathlon. Saint Boy had refused to jump for another rider earlier in the competition; it is hard to imagine how bewildering and frightening these experiences must have been for him. Following the outcry from this abuse, the horse riding segment of the modern pentathlon was axed. Whilst it is welcome news that this part of the pentathlon has now been replaced, it does beg the question: if a coach felt able to abuse an animal when the world was watching, what sort of cruelty happens behind closed doors, away from the cameras and the eyes of millions?

The Tokyo Olympics also saw a horse named Kilkenny suffer a horrific nosebleed during a showjumping final, and a horse named Jet Set “euthanized” after being injured during the cross-country. Following these disturbing scenes, international equestrian journalist Julie Taylor wrote an open letter to the International Olympics Council named: “I Can’t Watch Anymore’: The Case for Dropping Equestrian from the Olympic Games.”

Dressage

Dressage has received a huge amount of negative press for animal abuse. In November 2023, a segment on Danish TV exposed horrific cruelty at Andreas Helgstrand’s riding center: a school for dressage. 

Painful riding aids (the bit and spurs) were used so aggressively that horses were seen to be bleeding from their mouths and flanks. The status of the company has been revoked.

Dressage is an intrinsically cruel discipline, in which a horse and their rider must perform a set routine of arranged movements. Terms such as “obedience,” “submissiveness,” and “domination” are rife.

One of the most controversial practices seen in dressage in recent years has been the ‘rollkur’ (hyperflexion of the neck), a now-banned practice which involves pulling a horse’s head into their chest behind the vertical with force (in the belief that it ‘improves suppleness’ – a total misconception). This “warm-up” move can obstruct a horse’s airway, injure a major ligament in their neck, cause nerve damage in their tongue, as well as cause other mental and physical harms we cannot comprehend.

Patrik Kittel, a Swedish competitor, was filmed performing the ‘rollkur’ on a horse in 2009. The video went viral due to the clear cruelty, involving the horse’s tongue turning blue due to lack of oxygen. The FEI banned the use of the rollkur in warm-up at international competitions in 2010.

However, Kittel did not receive any disciplinary action, and has remained a controversial figure. Earlier this year, Kittel was pictured riding in competitions where the horses’ tongues appeared to be blue – implying that again, the horses’ tongues were not receiving enough oxygen and they were in pain. The FEI say they are “actively looking into” this. 

Even though the rollkur has been banned in international competitions, cruelty of this kind continues to happen in equestrian sports, as these sports are centered on “dominance” and “control” of an animal. Indeed, the use of the move “Low, Deep, Round” (LDR) is thought to be very similar to the rollkur in the pain it can cause the horses; yet it is still permitted. Furthermore, whilst the rollkur is officially banned, it is highly likely that some people continue this cruel practice behind closed doors. 

Painful artificial aids (equipment used to maximize a horse’s “performance”) are used to the extreme in dressage. Unyielding “crank” nosebands and tight curb chains deny a horse the ability to move their own jaw, and it is well known that some riders overuse their spurs which can cause bleeding and bruising on the horse’s skin.

Show Jumping & Eventing

Show Jumping and Eventing are also incredibly cruel. 

Show jumping has been entwined with drug and abuse scandals for many years. Violent whipping and overuse of spurs are common – these abuses can cause “swelling and bleeding wounds.”

“Rapping” has long been reported as happening. This is where a horse is hit in the legs to make them jump higher. Severe brits and bridles can cause excessive foaming at the mouth, drooling and painful mouth trauma.

Eventing is a grueling discipline, spanning three days of physically and mentally draining activities including dressage, cross country and show jumping. These are activities in which the horses have no choice to partake, and yet suffer greatly as a consequence.

46 Equine Welfare Recommendations

The French Government has created a list of 46 recommendations for equestrian sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics. These have been made in an attempt to mitigate the animal welfare concerns following the disturbing abuse at the Tokyo Olympic Games, and to try and be a leader for equestrian welfare in sport. 

These suggestions include relaxation areas for the horses, the establishment of a “Welfare Committee” and 24/7 video monitoring. Whilst any improvements to protect horses’ safety and wellbeing are incredibly welcome; these do not deal with the root cause of the suffering, including away from the Olympic stage during training sessions. In order to safeguard horses from abuse and suffering, all equestrian sports must be dropped from the Olympics.

Foie Gras

Additionally, Animal Equality has been campaigning to remove Foie Gras patè from the menu at the Paris Olympics. Foie Gras is made by force-feeding ducks and geese, which enlarges their livers up to ten-times their natural size. The cruelty is barbaric; tubes are forced down these beautiful birds’ throats and they are kept in gruesome conditions. You can take action here.

Cruelty doesn’t belong in the Olympics

Many kind-hearted people may partake in equestrian sports, unaware of the cruelty and enjoying spending time with such magnificent animals. The abuse of horses is an inconvenient truth – and turning a blind eye – in the name of “tradition” and “status quo” is encouraged.

Budding riders are often socialized into thinking that “breaking a horse’s spirit” is justifiable to make them submit. The relationship between horse and rider is sensationalised to be one of harmony and leadership, without questioning that the relationship is only ever focused on the human’s agenda. When animals feel they have no agency, and are continually punished whatever they do, they learn to “shut down.” This can lead to “learned helplessness,” a condition linked with depression in humans. In summation, “learned helplessness is a methodology (often practiced by people who are unaware it’s what they’re doing) that punishes the horse for being a horse”.

Furthermore, forcing an animal to perform a sport which is entirely based on human wants and ideals is unacceptable, and as a result, the social license of horse racing and equestrian sports is starting to diminish. Putting animals in harm’s way, subjecting them to cruel training regimes, and only valuing them for what they can do for us, is not a “sport.” At their best, humans are compassionate and kind. These values are gold-medal worthy – the subjugation of an innocent animal is absolutely not.

To read more, visit Animal Aid’s paper on the history of cruelty in equestrian sports.

With thanks to Dene Stansall – Animal Aid’s Horse Racing Consultant.

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

This article was written by Nina Copleston-Hawkens on the PBN Website.

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

Ana Špac, a full-time student who has been weightlifting for just three years – and followed a plant-based diet for almost the same amount of time – won in the 71 kg and under category and became the Senior National Champion.

The competition took place on April 13 and 14 in the eastern Croatian city of Osijek. It saw approximately 100 athletes from 11 teams attend to compete individually.

Weightlifters are rated on their completion of the two Olympic lifting styles, the “clean and jerk” and “the snatch.” An athlete’s score is then calculated by combining the scores from their best successful lifts, with the overall winner possessing the highest combined total.

In addition to her new title as Senior National Champion, Špac previously competed and became Junior National Champion, and also holds a Junior record in Croatia.

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

Vegan weightlifting: ‘I have an above-normal amount of energy’

Špac told Plant Based News (PBN) that she first got into weightlifting through her older brother at the start of 2022. As a relative newcomer to competitive weightlifting, Špac’s growing list of accomplishments is all the more notable.

According to Špac, adopting a vegan diet shortly after she began lifting was a “significant factor” in her rapid progression in the sport. “I know this is my own anecdotal experience,” said Špac. “[But] I noticed that I have an above normal amount of energy.”

According to the athlete, fatigue is a constant phenomenon for competitive weightlifters, sometimes lasting for weeks on end. But Špac feels “more than satisfied” with her metabolism and recovery on a plant-based diet.

“I try to eat as functionally as possible to maximize the efficiency of my body,” said Špac. She generally favors nutrient-dense foods with plenty of carbs and protein and minimal fat, like lentils, beans, quinoa, oats, and wheat, something which she says is particularly easy to achieve on a plant-based diet. “This way I can take a lot of nutrients I need,” she added.

Read more: World Health Organization Calls For Experts To Design ‘Optimal’ Dietary Guidelines

‘I wasn’t able to justify killing animals for food’

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Špac told PBN that she was significantly underweight when she first started lifting, and members of her community suspected she would struggle to gain mass while following a plant-based diet – a common misconception about plant foods.

“As we know that did not happen,” said Špac. “In fact, for the first time in a long time, I actually started to gradually gain weight. Now, two years after, I weigh 68 kilos (148 pounds). That is 40 pounds of weight on my body gained on a vegan diet.”

Despite the physical benefits that Špac feels she has enjoyed from eating plant-based foods, health wasn’t the main motivator for her cutting out meat and dairy. She told PBN that, while the realization came to her gradually, she began to feel “repulsion” over animal products.

“I wasn’t able to justify killing animals for food,” explained Špac. “At first I wasn’t aware of practices occurring in animal agriculture, but as I came to know more about what was happening I was both disgusted and angry. I wanted to share the truth with other people that were like me; living in [a] fallacy created by the industry.”

Špac isn’t the only athlete to recognize the various potential benefits of a plant-based diet, whether ethical, environmental, or nutrition-related. Notable recent examples include several runners, martial artists, bodybuilders, and other weightlifters.

“I am driven by the need to be an example and to show people they don’t have to be scared of plant-based diets,” said Špac. “On the contrary, […] we can thrive on plant-based diets. “

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

The organisers of this year’s Games, which take place in the summer, are aiming to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the event by 50 percent – and that includes meals. To help achieve this goal, 33 percent of the food in the Athletes’ Village restaurant will be plant-based, along with 60 percent of the snacking offer for the general public and 50 percent of the fare for the workforce. 

“Since the start of the project, we have wanted the Paris 2024 Games to be an opportunity to discover and promote a more responsible way of eating from an environmental point of view,” the president of Paris 2024, Tony Estanguet, said in a statement. “… From athletes, volunteers and collaborators to spectators and media, everyone will be able to experiment with a more plant-based diet during the Games.”

A step in the right direction

In total, some 13 million meals will be served during the course of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. While we don’t yet know how many of these will be vegan rather than vegetarian, with the menus still being finalized, the news is being viewed as a significant step forward in traditionally meat-mad France.

At the heart of the plant-based food provision will be the Nestlé-owned Garden Gourmet – one of the French leaders in the field – which will offer its products to everyone from athletes and spectators to staff.

As well as its vegetarian fare, the company’s existing range features several fully vegan options, including burgers, falafels, nuggets, fillets, and plant-based “tuna.” So, we wait to see if any of these make it onto the final Olympic menus.

“Garden Gourmet being an official supporter of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a significant achievement,” Marco Zanchi, head of Food France – Garden Gourmet, told Plant Based News (PBN). “This partnership is not only a great platform to promote plant-based products but also aims to encourage the adoption of a more plant-based and sustainable diet.”

How veganism is growing in the French capital

While France has not exactly been renowned in the past for its vegan provision, things at least seem to be heading in the right direction – certainly in the French capital at any rate.

According to the vegan and vegetarian discovery platform HappyCow, for instance, its overall number of listings for Paris has grown to 1,000 now – compared with 894 in 2022.  Furthermore, the number of fully vegan restaurants in the city has increased to 92 – against 88 in 2022.

Similarly, the number of vegan businesses (including shops, bakeries, cafés, B&Bs etc) is now at 160 – versus 150 in 2022. “Veganism is widely accepted in Paris, and people can freely express their dietary choice,” Ken Spector of HappyCow told PBN. “A number of regular restaurants offer vegan options, and in addition to all-vegan grocery, clothing/accessories, and cosmetic stores, mainstream supermarkets carry a variety of vegan products. High-end restaurants in the city are increasingly adapting to accommodate vegans too.”

More like this:

• 7 Times Plant-Based Athletes Triumphed In Sports In 2023
• Vegan Wins Gold at Jiu-Jitsu Championships
• ‘Age Is Not A Limit’: Vegan Athlete, 66, Secures 1st Place In 48-Hour Ultramarathon

This article was written by Caroline Harrap on the PBN Website.