Vegan powerlifter smashes competition
Vegan powerlifter sets state records and wins US National Championship
American, Bradie Crandall, has been enjoying strongman training and competition, but returned to his powerlifting roots with a bang at the USPA Championships in Las Vegas.
Competing at 110 kg he opened with a 265 kg squat. He attempted 270 kg and came close but had to settle with the lift – well over double bodyweight. Bradie followed up with a 155 kg bench. He deadlifted cleanly three times, finishing with 285 kg, a competition personal best.
As well as taking the win in his weight class, Bradie set Delaware State records for squat, bench, deadlift and total. After the competition he reflected:
“This competition was a roller coaster ride. I had a rough go with the squat and bench which had me down by 12.5 kg going into the deadlift, but I kept my cool and managed to take the lead with a competition deadlift PR of 285 kg (628 lbs).”
Bradie also has broken state records in Maryland, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, and qualified for the World Championships. In Delaware he now has four.
A scientific approach
Bradie studies Chemical Engineering and applies he knowledge and scientific method to training. He’s written a book about his approach, The Living Machine: Engineering Strength with a Plant-Based Diet.
It was his study of the science around climate change that led to his move to veganism in 2017, which he planned carefully to make sure his athletic performance didn’t suffer.
“I am a Chemical & Biomolecular PhD Candidate at the University of Delaware and my research focuses upon converting CO₂ emissions into animal protein alternatives” Bradie says.
“In terms of diet: I’ve been eating about 3,000 calories per day (50% carbs, 25% protein, 25% fat).”
Training now starts for the 2023 Mr. America Strongman Competition with Team Plantbuilt in October.
Added to this is more powerlifting, as the national win qualifies him to represent Team USA at International Powerlifting League (IPL) World Championships.
Content sourced and adapted with permission from Great Vegan Athletes.
About the author
Nicholas Hallows
Nicholas has been vegan since the early 2000s and worked for Viva! between 2017 and 2020 as a Senior Administrator and Web Content Assistant. He is a qualified teacher, specialising in Language and Literacy, and an accredited Proofreader and Editor. He is now a freelance writer covering topics including veganism, mindfulness and minimalism.
