Current City: Sacramento, CQ

Age: 40

Division: 110kg raw open and 110kg raw submaster

Years as a Vegan: 12

Why you became a vegan: I was spending a lot of time working with bully breed dogs as part of a rescue, fostering/rehabilitiating them so they could be rehomed. I had a moment where I realized I was spending time/money/energy on helping some animals while contributing to the death and suffering of others, just because they were a different species. We adopted a dog named Wilbur who reminded me so much of a cow that I couldn’t bring myself to eat beef anymore. As soon as I realized that about one animal it led me to start eliminating all animal products from my life.

Favorite foods/meals: Before going vegan I was all about comfort food – burgers, pizza, burritos, soul food – and the best part was, when I went vegan that didn’t have to change! I love coming home from a long training session and making a veganized double bacon western cheeseburger.

Favorite exercises: Deadlift. Coming into benching and squat, which I still love, there are a million cues and judge’s commands you have to focus on. Deadlift is just about going all out and getting that weight off the ground.