Vegan Bodybuilder Torre Washington Shatters the Protein Myth on His Way to Mr. Olympia

Torre Washington has made history. The lifelong vegan bodybuilder qualified for the 2026 Mr. Olympia, bodybuilding’s most prestigious competition, after winning the Ben Weider Natural Pro-Am. Competing without animal products or performance-enhancing drugs, Washington has achieved what few athletes in the world ever do.

“It’s an unreal feeling that anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” Washington said. “I hope this shows people to never give up on their goals or dreams.”

This victory is a milestone not only for vegan athletes but also for veganism and animal advocates everywhere. Washington’s success on one of the world’s largest stages demonstrates that compassion and athletic excellence can coexist and thrive.

A Historic Milestone for Vegan Athletes

Each year, only a small number of professional bodybuilders earn the right to compete in Mr. Olympia, the pinnacle of the sport. Qualifying demands years of disciplined training, flawless nutrition, and unwavering focus.

Washington’s win at the Ben Weider Natural Pro-Am, a major event for elite natural athletes, secured his place at the 2026 Olympia. The moment marks a turning point for vegan representation in professional bodybuilding.

 

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“It’s an unreal feeling,” Washington said again. “I hope my story reminds others to keep chasing their dreams.”

His journey reflects a growing movement in sports, where athletes are choosing plant-based diets to improve performance, recovery, and longevity.

Busting the Protein Myth

For decades, the idea that athletes need meat to build muscle has persisted. Washington has been proving otherwise for years.

Vegan athletes, and vegans in general, have heard the same question: “Where do you get your protein?” Many people still believe that protein comes only from animals, unaware that plants are rich in the same essential nutrients the body needs for strength and recovery.

“It’s crazy to think someone still asked me that,” he said. “It’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there, and I’m surprised people still don’t know how powerful plants are.”

Some of the planet’s largest and strongest animals — elephants, gorillas, oxen, and rhinos — eat only plants. As vegan strongman Patrik Baboumian, featured in The Game Changers documentary, famously said: “Someone asked me how I could get as strong as an ox without eating any meat. My response was, Have you ever seen an ox eat meat?”

Washington’s strength is built on that same principle. He fuels his body with nutrient-dense foods like tofu, seitan, lentils, and rice, which provide all the essential amino acids and recovery nutrients needed for growth and endurance.

“I say look at my physique,” Washington said. “That lack isn’t there. I’m living proof.”

The Power of Plant-Based Recovery

Bodybuilding is a sport built on recovery as much as resistance. Washington credits his consistency and resilience to a plant-based diet that supports healing, reduces inflammation, and promotes cardiovascular health.

Plant foods are naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help muscles recover faster after training. They also support healthy blood flow, joint health, and long-term energy, all crucial for professional athletes who push their bodies daily.

Vegan bodybuilder turned powerlifter Brittany Billings, a member of Team PlantBuilt, has experienced the same benefits of plant-based recovery that Torre credits for his consistency. Founded by coaches and athletes Dani Taylor and Giacomo Marchese, PlantBuilt is a collective of vegan strength athletes from around the world who compete in bodybuilding, powerlifting, CrossFit, and other sports to prove that plants build power.

Billings holds multiple USPA Indiana State Records for squat, bench, deadlift, and total, as well as the open record for deadlift.

“Being vegan has greatly improved my recovery,” she said. “As an endurance athlete at the time, I was seeing significant inflammation from consuming dairy and eggs. After cutting all animal products out, I reduced my recovery time by weeks after long races.”

She explained that her switch to veganism also changed her mindset. “I never have to feel guilty that I am causing animal suffering, and I can continue to become stronger while being compassionate.”

What Does a Vegan Bodybuilder Eat?

Washington’s daily nutrition is simple, structured, and rooted in balance. Every meal fuels growth and recovery while staying true to his values.

“A typical day is anything vegan as long as I hit my daily macros,” he said.

During competition prep, his macros include:

• 185 grams of protein
• 65 grams of fat
• 120 grams of carbohydrates

He builds his meals around seitan, fava bean tofu, Japanese sweet potatoes, rice, tofu, spinach, green beans, and rice cakes. These foods give him complete proteins, slow-burning energy, and plenty of micronutrients to sustain his rigorous training.

 

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“As long as I hit my numbers, I know I’m ready,” Washington said.

His consistency, both in the gym and in the kitchen, continues to set him apart.

Redefining Strength with Compassion

Washington’s career challenges old definitions of what it means to be strong. His achievements show that real strength is not only physical but also moral, built on the courage to stand by one’s convictions.

“I hope this brings more clarity and less confusion that vegan is not synonymous with lacking,” he said. “You can build quality muscle, and you can do it while living with compassion.”

For Washington, success reflects his belief that athletes can excel while making ethical, sustainable choices. His journey inspires people who want to push their limits while reducing harm to animals and the planet.

Raising the Bar for the Future

Washington’s Olympia qualification has inspired athletes worldwide to reimagine what’s possible on a plant-based diet. He is paving the way for the next generation of vegan competitors who see fitness as a platform for change.

Brittany Billings says Torre’s accomplishment helps change the conversation about what vegan athletes can achieve.

“It means so much to me, a vegan athlete of 10 years, that Torre is able to increase representation and show the world what is possible on a vegan diet,” she said. “Torre qualifying for the Olympia as a natural vegan shows that you can perform at the highest levels without animal products. His incredibly hard work and discipline is a wonderful thing for vegan athletes across the globe.”

She also believes Torre’s success will encourage more athletes to explore veganism for both performance and ethical reasons. “I hope that the successes of Torre and the PlantBuilt team help to change the narrative regarding vegan strength athletes,” she said. “There are many athletes who are hesitant to make the switch to a vegan diet because of misconceptions about plant-based protein.”

A Victory for Strength, Ethics, and Animals

Torre Washington’s story is about possibility. His Mr. Olympia qualification shows that a plant-based lifestyle is compatible with elite performance and that ethical choices can lead to extraordinary results.

“Each individual is unique,” Washington said. “People are moved by what interests them, and for some, it’s athletes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to show what’s possible.”

His upcoming appearance on the Olympia stage represents more than athletic success. It symbolizes progress for athletes, for veganism, and for the animals who inspire so many to live compassionately.

Watch Torre Washington’s inspiring journey and see his story unfold on UnchainedTV. Stream “This Vegan Is Ripped”  available free on UNCHAINEDTV.