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Morgan Filler is an elite open water swimmer currently training for the 2008 Olympics. Morgan recently contacted OrganicAthlete about switching to a plant-based diet. She's among the growing number of elite athletes who are interested in how to perform at the top on a vegan diet.

OA: How long have you eaten an organic diet? Why did you first switch to an organic diet?

MF: 1 year. My roomates and I ordered an organic farm box, and I could taste the difference of fresh organic produce. I fell in love with the taste, texture, vitality, and great accessibility of this produce. in addition, with the increase of awareness of chemicals being used by certain companies, and cancers on the rise, I wanted to minimize my involvement and be able to pick where I get my food, eat it within a day of it being picked, and support local farmers - which is very easy in Berkeley.

OA: I know you're not completely vegan, but why is adopting a plant-based diet of interest to you as an athlete?

MF: As I read and hear more about the use of chemicals and torturous methods for animals in farms and animals captured in the wild, I dont want to support the industry. The concept of eating other animals doesn't interest me. plants do. I have an herb garden and am a block away from a Berkeley farmers market. However, I really haven't paid detailed attention to food combining and timing in order to create a program. Coupled with my swim training, i want this to be an opportunity to know and precisely feel and fine tune my nutrition, as my body is my temple.

Image I would like my performace to be increased with vegeterian alternatives to replace nutrients from meat products. I am interested in smart planning to optimize the benefits of sports nutrtion within a framework of swimming. I have the passionate time and focus to pay attention to the details of sports nutrition. To become a vegeterian and/or vegan for certain sports takes organization and knowledege.

OA: What is your typical training schedule like?

MF:

* 6 days a week of 1.5-2hr swim practice
* yoga twice a week
* meditation every day
* pull-ups 3 times a week
* biking as my main mode of transportation- also good for aerobic training
* one swim a week in the open water, increases from 1 mile to 6 mile swim sessions

OA: What are your athletic goals for 2008?

MF: 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. It's the first time open water swimming will be an event.

Visit Morgan's website at www.morganfiller.com.