Debunking the vegan myth: Australia’s Fittest Man says he’s stronger than ever

James Newbury was at his physical peak when he switched to a plant-based diet in 2019. Everyone said he’d lose his game, but they were wrong.

Adelaide man James Newbury placed 5th for Australia in the world CrossFit Games in 2019. He still holds the highest rank for an Australian male in the sport. Picture: Tait Schmaal

After being crowned Australia’s Fittest Man four times in national CrossFit competitions and placing 5th for Australia in the 2019 world CrossFit Games, James Newbury speaks with authority when he says going vegan did not make him weaker.

In fact, it did the opposite.

The 31-year-old South Australian switched to a plant-based diet in 2019 because he “didn’t want to contribute to any more animal suffering.”

He was told that within months he’d lose his strength.

“People told me when I hit the three-month, six-month, then one-year milestones, I’d become average and feel bad,” he said.

James Newbury at the Torian Pro CrossFit Games Oceania in 2021. Picture: Steve Pohlner

James Newbury says he didn’t lose any strength when he turned vegan. Picture: Steve Pohlner

In a recent powerlifting contest, he squatted 215kg (a personal best), deadlifted 260kg and bench-pressed 130kg.

“In the last three years, I haven’t lost any strength at all, and I’ve trained a hell of a lot less because I’m now focused on my three businesses,” he said.

The CrossFit World Games tests strength across multiple events.

Newbury changed to veganism so less animals would be harmed.

In November, Newbury will compete in a Strongman qualifier and the next day run a half Ironman in Melbourne.

“The Strongman athletes are out of breath walking up a set of stairs. The triathletes can get around 70 miles quickly but can’t throw around heavy logs. I’m going to have a crack at both in the same weekend.”

“It’s very hard for someone that’s been eating an omnivorous diet their entire life to understand that there may be a different way, that’s just as beneficial, and a lot less harmful to the planet. Let’s debunk that myth.”

Newbury has devised Under Armour’s new training competition, UA Combine, which is set to take place on Saturday, September 17, at Sydney Olympic Park.

If you’re up for the challenge: “You’ll need to be strong, fast, fit, flexible, and throw things. A general physical preparedness is what we’re looking to test.”