PATRIK Baboumian has only gotten stronger since giving up eating animal products, the protein source for most of his fellow weightlifters.
The ex-strongman and bodybuilder became vegan in 2011, two years before completing a record-breaking yoke walk.
2
2
Baboumian, 43, was born in Iran and emigrated with his Armenian parents to Germany while fleeing the Iranian revolution in the late 1970s.
As a teen, he fell in love with wrestling, which later sparked his interest in weight training.
Having started his career as a powerlifter, Baboumian won the German Junior Bodybuilding Championship in 1999.
Six years later, he cut meat out of his diet for ethical reasons — and because he had seen improvement in his performance after the switch, the bodybuilder became vegan in 2011.
READ MORE ON STRONGMAN
“I just found myself thinking that if I would have to kill the animals I ate with my own hands I couldn’t because I was too compassionate," Patrik said explaining his decision.
"I felt that I was fooling myself eating meat considering my inability to kill an animal so I just thought I’d better be honest to myself and stop eating meat."
That same year, Baboumian won Germany's Strongest Man title.
And in 2013, he completed a record-setting 10-meter yoke walk with 550kg (which is about 1,213 pounds) at the Toronto Veg Fest.
The Armenian King, as Baboumian has been nicknamed, then had a message to those claiming animal products are necessary to be fit and strong.
"Almost two years after becoming vegan I am stronger than ever before and I am still improving day by day," he said,
"Don’t listen to those self-proclaimed nutrition gurus and the supplement industry trying to tell you that you need meat, eggs, and dairy to get enough protein.
"There are plenty of plant-based protein sources and your body is going to thank you for stopping feeding it with dead-food.
"Go vegan and feel the power!"
Two years later, Baboumian improved his record by carrying 560kg (which is about 1,235 pounds) in the yolk walk event during a Veg Fest competition in Germany.
Strongman legend Brian Shaw later challenge the legitimacy of the German-Armenian athlete's accolade.
But the Armenian King explained that although other bodybuilders did carry a heavier yoke in various competitions after his historic walk, none of them did it over the same distance.
Read More on The US Sun
Baboumian has retired from powerlifting.
But he remains a vegan advocate and has partnered with Peta on numerous campaigns.
As a seasoned nutrition and fitness enthusiast with a deep understanding of plant-based lifestyles, I've closely followed the remarkable journey of Patrik Baboumian. My extensive knowledge in the field allows me to appreciate the significance of his transition to a vegan diet and the subsequent improvements in his strength and performance. Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article:
1. Patrik Baboumian's Journey to Veganism:
- Born in Iran, Baboumian emigrated to Germany in the late 1970s, and his passion for wrestling eventually led him to weight training.
- Starting as a powerlifter, he achieved significant success, winning the German Junior Bodybuilding Championship in 1999.
- In 2011, driven by ethical concerns and performance benefits, he made the pivotal decision to eliminate meat from his diet and embraced a vegan lifestyle.
2. Performance Impact of Veganism:
- Baboumian's choice to go vegan wasn't just a moral stance; he observed positive changes in his performance after eliminating animal products.
- In the same year he adopted a vegan diet, he secured the title of Germany's Strongest Man.
3. Record-Breaking Achievements:
- Notably, in 2013, Baboumian completed a record-setting 10-meter yoke walk with an astounding 550kg (approximately 1,213 pounds) at the Toronto Veg Fest.
- Two years later, he surpassed his own record by carrying 560kg (around 1,235 pounds) in the yoke walk event during a Veg Fest competition in Germany.
4. Vegan Strength Advocacy:
- Despite skepticism from some, including strongman legend Brian Shaw, Baboumian firmly asserted the legitimacy of his achievements, emphasizing the unique conditions of his record-setting yoke walk.
- He challenged the notion that animal products are essential for strength, debunking claims from "nutrition gurus" and the supplement industry.
5. Retirement and Vegan Advocacy:
- Baboumian, having retired from powerlifting, continues to be a vocal advocate for veganism.
- Partnering with Peta on numerous campaigns, he encourages others to explore plant-based protein sources for optimal health and fitness.
In conclusion, Patrik Baboumian's story is a compelling testament to the potential of veganism in the world of strength and athleticism, challenging conventional beliefs about the necessity of animal products for optimal performance. His achievements and ongoing advocacy contribute significantly to the growing awareness of plant-based diets in the fitness community.
