Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Current Residence: Tampa, FL
Sport(s): Fitness Competitions, Obstacle Course, Natural bodybuilding and Physique modeling
Pro/Elite since: 2005
Date of Birth: August 20, 1980
Website: www.kellylynnfit.com

Favorite fruit: Grapes
Favorite veggie: Broccoli and Cauliflower
Hobbies/Other sports: Volleyball

1. When and why did you choose to stop eating animal products?

I became vegetarian in 2001 while I was in the US Marines. I was only consuming protein powder made of whey at the time. After cheating a few times and eating meat, I noticed that I felt horrible after eating them. I completely stopped eating animal products in 2005 when I had experienced chemical sensitivities to artificial sweetners and ingredients. I feel amazing now!

2. What has been your experience as a vegan athlete? Have you noticed any performance or health benefits or problems?

I notice that my body feels cleaner than ever. I also noticed that I have a lot more energy and feel lighter because I don’t have to digest all of that animal meat.

3. Have teammates and other athletes been supportive or critical?

Supportive, because I am a sports nutrition specialist and I explain the concepts very thoroughly, so most people trust me. Those who are critical just don’t want to give up their unhealthy lifestyle.

4. A brief history of your athletic career.

I started dance when I was a young girl. At age seven I won a scholarship to Broadway School of Dance, but I never took it. Over the course of my high school years, I still remained in dance as a hobby. I totally switched gears when in 1999, I joined the US Marines. While serving I began working out with power-lifters and built a great base for bodybuilding. I then started competing in that and slowly changed to the fitness industry, where I could incorporate my dance background. I have been competing ever since…eating veges like crazy!

5. Most memorable results or achievements.

• 2001 3rd NPC Lowcountry Classic (my first ever bodybuilding show)
• 2005 3rd NPC Southeastern USA
• 2005 1st place NPC All South (place for Nationals)
• 2006 INBA Las Vegas Natural, won my pro card
• 2006 NPC IFBB North Americans third call out

6. Why did you join OA's PRO-Activist team?

Because I want to encourage people to live their healthiest life possible and that the body needs a vegan lifestyle to be full of vitality. Eating living foods that come from the earth is the best thing anyone can do for their body!