Vegan Claims National Title at Canadian Triathlon Championships

Although Greg Shimizu best known for excelling in longer endurance formats — particularly Ironman 70.3 events — he stepped into the Sprint Duathlon as a deliberate change of pace.

“I did this Sprint Duathlon as a much shorter speed race,” he explained. The strategy paid off, with Greg crossing the line alongside the fourth‑place finisher from the 40–49 category, underlining just how exceptional his performance was for his age group.

A Rapid Rise in 70.3 Competition

Remarkably, Greg is only in his third season of racing Ironman 70.3. Despite the intense competition, he has quickly established himself among Canada’s strongest age‑group athletes.

In 2025, he was the top Canadian in his age group at both Ironman 70.3 Calgary and Ironman 70.3 Victoria, earning qualification for the 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

His consistent high rankings have also placed him in the AWA (All World Athlete) standings — a recognition reserved for the sport’s most successful age‑group competitors.

Adding a national title to his résumé is a meaningful marker of his progress.

Vegan Since 1994

Greg has been vegan for 32 years, having made the change in 1994. His motivations were rooted in concern for the planet, public health, and long‑term sustainability.

“We have an unhealthy planet, an unhealthy population, and constant economic disasters that are circular,” he says. “I could tell it was not only what my body was telling me to do — it was also the most rational and fully reasonable thing to do.”

Today, he sees even more evidence supporting that decision.

“There is so much more science and information — climate, factory farming, human anatomy and longevity — that just makes clear logical, ethical and conscious sense.”

Fuelled by Plants

Greg credits his long‑term vegan diet as a key factor in his endurance, recovery, and longevity in sport.

His race‑day nutrition for the race was simple:

• Night before: potatoes, rice or pasta — this time spaghetti with veggie‑meat sauce
• Race morning: oatmeal and coconut yogurt
• Post‑race celebration: a tub of vegan ice cream (“also a bit of pre‑fuel for another race the next day!”)

“I never pay much attention to my food as an elite athlete,” he says. “I just eat fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes — it all seems normal to me to eat balanced as a vegan and podium in virtually all my races.”

Now at 62, Greg feels the long‑term effects may be his secret weapon.

“In my 60s, when others are slowing, I’ve gotten faster and achieved more with age as a vegan — including longevity in sport.”

A ‘Magic Bullet’ That Isn’t Magic at All

Greg has watched many athletes search for marginal gains, shortcuts, and performance hacks. For him, the answer has always been clear.

“The simplest and best magic bullet has been being vegan. Beyond podium success, every time I cross a finish line — whether first or last — crossing as a vegan signifies a wonderful path and a true success in life.”

He sees his achievements as part of a bigger picture.

“Beyond all the medals, I like the journey of training, competing, and crossing the finish line knowing I did my best — which includes fuelling my body as a vegan. The planet and animals also benefit when I cross the line. It’s always a win‑win for everyone.”