Ana Špac, a vegan athlete, won Croatia's Senior National Championship in weightlifting, competing in the 71 kg category. She's a full-time student and has been lifting weights and following a plant-based diet for three years. The competition happened in Osijek on April 13 and 14, featuring around 100 athletes from 11 teams. Athletes are judged on two Olympic lifting styles, with the winner having the highest combined total. Ana Špac also holds the title of Junior National Champion and a Junior record in Croatia.
Špac started weightlifting in 2022 because of her brother. Despite being new, she's achieving a lot. Switching to veganism early on boosted her progress, giving her more energy than usual. Fatigue is common in weightlifting, but Špac feels great on her plant-based diet. She focuses on nutrient-rich foods like lentils, beans, and quinoa for optimal performance.
"I was very thin when I started weightlifting," said Špac.
People doubted if she could gain weight on a plant-based diet. But she did. In two years, she gained 40 pounds. Špac didn't switch for health reasons. She felt sickened by eating animal products. Learning about animal agriculture disgusted her. She wanted others to know the truth. Many athletes choose plant-based diets for various reasons. Špac wants to show that plant-based diets work.
