Vegan Powerlifters Shine at the European Powerlifting Championships

Gert Koovit Takes Masters Bronze With a 270 kg Bench

Estonian powerhouse Gert Koovit secured Bronze in the Masters 120+ kg bench press with a huge 270 kg lift. He followed it with an even heavier 282.5 kg, which was not passed by the judges — but the earlier lift was enough to put him firmly on the podium.

Koovit is no stranger to success. The former World Champion in bench press also holds two European titles and three national titles, cementing his place as one of Estonia’s most accomplished strength athletes.

Now 52, Koovit’s vegan journey began when he faced sore joints and high blood pressure. With support from his wife — a decade long vegan — he changed his diet and felt the benefits immediately.

“I felt improvement instantly, not only in my joints, but also in speed of my recovery from heavy sessions. So there was no going back.”

As he continued, Koovit says he developed a deeper vegan mindset towards animals, strengthening both his ethics and his performance.

Fia Kamlund Adds Bronze in the Open Category

While Gert was lifting in the Masters division, Swedish athlete Fia Kamlund was making her mark in the Open category. Competing in the ~84 kg class, the multiple national record holder benched 155 kg to take Bronze, contributing to a team Bronze as well.

Dr Kamlund has been vegan since 2012, following several years as a vegetarian. Her shift to veganism came from recognising the realities of the meat, dairy, and egg industries.

“When I realised the connection between the meat industry and how they treated animals also in milk and egg industry I went vegan.”

Powered by Plants, Competing at the Highest Level

Koovit and Kamlund are just two examples of the many vegan powerlifters performing at elite levels across Europe and beyond. Their results at the Championships highlight a simple truth: plant powered athletes continue to thrive in strength sports, breaking records, winning medals, and proving that compassion and performance can go hand in hand.