James Newbury
James is a former semi-professional rugby player who has become one of the best known Crossfit athletes. He’s been ranked in the top 20 in Australia thirteen times (including second), and top 20 globally twice.
James qualified for the CrossFit Games for the first time by placing 2nd at regionals in 2016. In 2017, 2018 and 2019 he placed 1st at the Regional events, which has qualified him for four consecutive years at the CrossFit Games. He placed 26th, 27th and 17th, then in 2019 he placed 5th in the World CrossFit Games, earning the title of the 5th Fittest Man on Earth.
He’s been ranked second and first (twice) in the Pacific region and as part of a team has been ranked 1st in Oceania in 2023 and 4th in 2024.
In 2024 he helped the team to a fantastic win at the Crossfit Games as team captain.
James has also completed two full Ironmans and five half Ironmans. He’s competed at state championships for Olympic weightlifting and strongman, and represented Australia in bobsled. He loves the variety!
“The pinnacle of my athletic career so far has been winning first place in the world at the CrossFit Games 2024 at the age of 33” James tells Great Vegan Athletes. “This achievement was particularly special because it demonstrated that a plant-based diet can fuel world-class performance in one of the most demanding and diverse fitness competitions globally. It was a moment that validated not only my training approach but also my lifestyle choices.”
At that stage James had been vegan for five years.
Finding vegan
“I made the transition to veganism in October 2019, and it was a profound moment of realization that led me to this decision” he says. “One day, I found myself stopped next to a truck full of sheep. As I looked at them, I was struck by how cramped and uncomfortable they appeared. It was a visceral moment where I couldn’t ignore the reality of animal agriculture anymore.”
Like many people, James had considered himself an animal lover, but had not until then appreciated that his belief and actions were mismatched.
“I was saying I loved animals while simultaneously contributing to their suffering through my dietary choices. It felt hypocritical, and I knew I had to align my actions with my values.”
James made immediate changes and committed to them.
“I couldn’t un-see what I had seen or un-know what I now understood. From that day forward, I committed to a lifestyle that doesn’t contribute to animal suffering. It wasn’t just about food; it was about living in a way that respects all sentient beings.”
“Whether I’m at home, traveling, or competing, I maintain my vegan principles without exception.”
Crossfit is a demanding sport which has exploded in popularity in a short time. It uses high intensity routines of functional movements and the level of fitness developed by elite competitors is astonishing. James has no difficulty fuelling his training and competition with plants.
“My diet primarily consists of plant-based poke bowls, which I find to be an excellent balance of nutrients and flavors. A typical bowl for me includes a base of rice for carbohydrates, topped with protein-rich tofu or tempeh. I add avocado for healthy fats, walnuts for omega-3s and extra protein, and a generous serving of sauerkraut for probiotics and gut health. I always include a variety of sprouts for their nutritional density. This combination provides me with sustained energy for training and quick recovery.”
James trains versatility and well-rounded fitness. It makes for interesting and challenging training, and keep James at his high levels. He enjoys mountain biking, although this did lead to an accident which broke bones in his back. Incredibly, five weeks later he entered and completed a full ironman triathlon.
Cross sport challenges ahead!
He’s planning to take his challenges to a new level on a YouTube series where he’ll be taking on elite athletes in their respective sports.
“The goal is to showcase the incredible skill and dedication of specialists in various disciplines while also demonstrating the adaptability that comes from a diverse training background.”
It’s a project which will ask a lot of James, which he says “combines my love for fitness with my passion for learning and pushing boundaries.”
This is an ambitious series of encounters, and James feel that his food intake will not be anything likely to compromise him.
“As a vegan athlete, I’m constantly amazed by the power of plant-based nutrition to fuel high-level performance. My journey has shown me that it’s possible to compete at the highest levels while adhering to ethical principles. I hope to inspire others to explore how they can align their dietary choices with their values and athletic goals.”
“Looking ahead, I’m committed to continuing my growth as an athlete and as an advocate for veganism in sports. I believe we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible with plant-based nutrition in athletics, and I’m excited to be part of that evolution.”