Two world titles for vegan skater

Kristen Santos-Griswold has been competing at the World Cup in Germany – and taken more medals!

The vegan member of the US speed skating team started with helping the team to Silver in the 1500 metres

Following this she was part of the mixed team relay team who took Gold in the 2000 metres. She then joined the Women’s team for the 3000 metre to take bronze.

Her biggest glory was still to come as she qualified for the 1500 m final, which she won to take Gold. Kristen followed this with another Gold in the 1000m final.

She then joined the women’s relay team for the 3000 metre final and added Bronze.

Following the individual wins Kristen became one of only two US short track skaters to win Gold at all three individual distances in the history of the World Cup.

On top of the world

Afterwards Kristen was able to reflect on her season where she finished second globally in the overall standings. She was ranked first in the 1000 metres and third in the 1500 metres, and helped the national team to 4th in both the women’s and mixed team relays.

A further honour followed as the State of Sports awards named Kristen as Olympic Female Athlete of the Year.

They said:

“Our Olympic Female Athlete of the Year hasn’t missed a World Cup podium in 2 seasons. The four-distance national record holder collected 17 international medals in 2023—6 gold, 7 silver and 4 bronze. Kristen Santos-Griswold is the first U.S. woman to win a 500m World Cup race and first U.S. skater to capture an individual Gold at ISU Short Track 4-Continents Championships.”

Kristen has been vegan since 2018 after being raised vegetarian. She has never eaten meat.

“I’ve always loved animals so much and don’t want to contribute to anything that could be harmful to them. When I switched to a fully plant-based diet, I also began feeling just overall so much better and began skating better too.”

She has no doubts about getting her nutrients right to compete at the highest level.

“I fully believe it’s possible, if not, more beneficial to compete and succeed as a vegan.”