Iranian-born, Armenian-German strongman competitor, Patrik Baboumain, made history over the weekend at Toronto’s Vegetarian Food Festival.

He carried 550 kilograms over ten meters (or in U.S. terms, 1,212 pounds over 32.8 feet).

He let out the words “vegan power,” as he finished, proving again that meat and strength do not go hand in hand.

Baboumain, 34, holds the “Strongest Man of Germany” title and has set the world record for log lifts in the 105k category and the German heavyweight log-lift record.

According to his website he was quite young when he first became intrigued by bodybuilding.

“The HULK-TV-Series where my first encounter with that super muscular bodybuilding look, when I was only 3 years old and terrified by the sight of Banners transformation into the HULK when watching TV together with my parents.”

He became vegetarian in 2005 and in 2011 turned to a vegan diet after being named Germany’s Strongest Man.

Baboumain says in regards to his plant-based diet:

“The reasons for my decision where mainly based on my empathy for all kinds of non human animals and the mental conflict I felt, when consuming meat, which would mean that an animal would have to lose its live for my appetite. Expecting at least a slight inverse effect on my training performance I was amazed by the great gains in lean body-mass and strength I got with the meat-free diet.”

Well, what does the Strongest Man in Germany consume on a daily basis?

For protein: soy-milk, soy-protein-powder, tofu, nuts and beans.

For energy: rice, potato, oats and lots of fruits and greens and vegetables.

Baboumain also relies on shakes and smoothies to get a lot of his calories in liquid form.

After his record-breaking yoke carry at the Toronto Vegetarian Festival he was joined on stage for a Q&A session with other plant-powered athletes, including retired UFC champion James Wilks, former NHL player Georges Laraque and marathon superstar Rich Roll. Inspiring all to stay strong, live long and prosperous with a plant-based diet.

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Ed: Sara Crolick

{Photos: haisentito and patrikbaboumian}