Vegan athlete takes gold at the World Duathlon Championships

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» Vegan athlete takes gold at the World Duathlon Championships

Vegan athlete, Lisa Gawthorne, in first place holding up UK flag

Just six weeks after taking home gold at the European Duathlon Championships, vegan athlete, Lisa Gawthorne, becomes World Champion in her age group after winning the Sprint Duathlon race.

Team GB athlete, Lisa Gawthorne, saw herself crowned World Champion for her age group after competing in the Sprint Duathlon World Championships in Ibiza. Lisa completed the running and cycling race, which took place in Santa Eulalia, over a minute ahead of her competition. 

Speaking of her surprise at the win after her success in the European Championships earlier in the year, Lisa says: “I am so happy; I really didn’t expect this one. It was amazing to become European Champion, but this is a dream of dreams to go one step further taking a World Champion title in my age group amongst the best of the best in the world. 

There were 27 in my race, and I knew I needed to get out strong to try and maintain a good lead. I really had no idea where I was as so many waves went off at similar times and it was only when I crossed the line, I heard them call my name as the winner and realised I took the gold medal!” 

This success for Lisa come as she celebrates her twentieth year as a vegan. Lisa, who became vegan for animal welfare reasons, says she has seen beneficial effects from her plant-based diet in her training and athletic performance, citing benefits such as improved recovery, excellent sleep and healthy digestion.  

Lisa explains how her performance and positive approach to veganism has inspired other athletes over the years: “I am all about spreading the positive vibes associated with veganism. It’s been an absolute joy to see a lot of my GB team pals and other teammates from other countries that have decided to go vegan over the years and have either reached out for advice or mentioned that I inspired their choice – this always makes me beyond proud.” 

For more about Lisa’s journey, you can listen to the Vegan Society’s podcast episode, The Vegan Pod – Is a plant-based diet really enough to fuel a vegan athlete?, where Lisa discusses how her diet has fuelled her for success. Lisa runs a vegan food brand company Bravura Foods as well as being the author of vegan fitness book Gone in 60 Minutes and helpful vegan deck of cards resource The Vegan Deck. Find her on Instagram, @Lisa_Gawthorne.   

Feeling inspired to give veganism a go but you’re not sure where to start? Download the Vegan Society’s free app VeGuide for information, advice and recipes to help you on your vegan journey. 

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