Current City: Lexington, VA

Age: 35

Division: Men’s Physique

Years as a Vegan: 11

Why you became a vegan: Initially I went vegan for health reasons. I was raised as an ethical vegetarian from birth and have never eaten meat, fish or eggs. As I got older I found that the dairy products I was consuming did not agree with me, and I felt better without them. Since making the switch, I've learned a lot more about the health, animal welfare and environmental benefits of a vegan lifestyle, and my commitment to the lifestyle has grown stronger than ever.

Favorite foods/meals: Rice and beans, air-fried tofu, lentil and vegetable soups, oats with soy milk and berries. Off-season treat meals are vegan pizza, sushi, vegan burgers, and Indian food.

Favorite exercises: Barbell bench press, belt squats, barbell good mornings, plate-loaded rows.