Vegan Strongman Patrik Baboumian Breaks His Own World Record!

On September 20, 2015, vegan ‘strongman’ Patrik Baboumian officially beat his own world record by completing the yoke walk in Kitzcher with 560kg!

Baboumian had originally set the Guinness world record two years ago by lifting 555kg. However, the German-Armenian competitor increased the weight by 5kg just two days ago and completed it in the much quicker time of 28 seconds. Since making the decision to become completely vegan, this becomes Baboumian’s fourth world record break. Baboumian stated: 

“Whoever still thinks that with a cruelty-free diet you aren’t able to perform as well as any other athlete, in any sports, can now at last start to open his/her eyes and face reality. Four years after going vegan I’m athletically back to 100 percent again, and this will not be the last thing you are going to hear from me. VEGAN POWER FOR LIFE!”

Baboumian is a trained psychologist and former bodybuilder who was born in Abadan, Iran in an Armenian family. He emigrated to Germany when he was seven and already by the age of nine, developed an interest in weight training. This led to Baboumian’s accomplishments as holding the world log lift record in the 105 kg category, and also the German heavyweight loglift record of 180 kg. He currently holds the title of the “Strongest Man of Germany” after he won the open division at the German strongman nationals.

Baboumian also became the new face of a PETA campaign advocating for veganism. He had publicly declared his vegetarianism in 2005 and eventually veganism in 2011, and is adamanent about his vegan lifestyle contributing to his many successes as an athlete. He famously stated in 2013:

“This is a message to all those out there who think that you need animal products 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. 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!”

It may be optimistic thinking, but perhaps the many accomplishments of this vegan strongman will finally put an end to the question vegans must hear and answer constantly: “But where do you get your protein from?!”

Lena Tashjian

Lena Tashjian manages content and social media for Clearly Veg. She focuses on vegan news, companies, guides, interviews, product reviews and more. You can contact her at [email protected]