PlantBuilt: A Journey of Compassionate Strength, From Roots to Records

In 2012, Giacomo Marchese and Dani Taylor envisioned a team of vegan bodybuilders not just competing alongside non-vegan athletes, but triumphing over them. This idea wasn't only about showcasing the capabilities of vegan athletes; it was about demonstrating that they could surpass expectations and redefine stereotypes. ‌

Giacomo and Dani reached out within their community, searching for those who shared their vision. The response was overwhelming and the first Vegan Strong PlantBuilt Team was born. The team first participated in Austin, Texas, at the Naturally Fit Games, a multi-sport expo. They didn't just participate; they dominated the bodybuilding stage, firmly establishing their presence in the world of strength sports. ‌ ‌

Over the years, PlantBuilt has continued to grow, diversifying its athlete base to include a range of strength-based sports and consistently spreading the message of cruelty-free strength. Now the Vegan Strong PlantBuilt Team, the team's influence and impact have only increased. ‌‌

2024 will be a record breaking year for PlantBuilt. For the first time ever, they will be bringing their largest team yet to TWO sporting events (Mr. America and USAFitFest) This year, while competing for the seventh time, the team will be setting new records and defending titles in - Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, CrossFit, Strongman, Kettlebell sport. We will also have our most competitive KettleBell Sport team to date which is something we are proud of and have worked hard at for a long time. Our international roster boasts athletes from Norway, UK, France, and Canada, reflecting the global impact of our movement.

Our mission transcends the competition. We aim to influence the mainstream fitness industry, challenging long held assumptions and highlighting the power and potential of a vegan lifestyle. Our presence at such a high-profile event is a testament to our commitment to this goal.

As we celebrate our 12th year of activism, we invite you to join us in our journey. Keep checking in for updates about the team, our athletes, and the competition. Here's to changing hearts, minds, and faces of strength sports.