Landon Buford
Quebec’s Tammara Thibeault, one of Canada’s brightest prospects for a medal, will come to the amateur boxing ring as the official ambassador of the ShopVejii.com brand. The largest online marketplace in the world for vegan and vegetable food products.
Thibeault, 24, from St-Georges, Québec, now lives and trains at the INS – Institut national du sport de Montréal. She took a break from her intense Olympics preparations to proudly announce that she has teamed up with ShopVejii.com and his parent corporation. Vejii Holdings Ltd., British Columbia, to educate the world on plant-based foods’ nutritional and overall health benefits.
“I’m proof you can get all the nutrients you need if you’re living plant-based,” Thibeault shared. “Three years ago, I started slowly cutting meat out of my diet and one day I realized I didn’t have any meat at all in my refrigerator. I feel better when I don’t eat meat. It’s better for your health and the environment.”
“I’m really excited about working with ShopVejii.com because I feel like a lot of our values align. I think it’s really positive that they are making a difference by using technology to make healthier and more responsible food choices easily available wherever you are. I’ll be working to help get the company’s name out there and show people, there’s an easy way to have plant-based options in their diets. It’s possible to have it all. My goal is to show people that they can still eat the dishes they love even if they switch to plant-based. You don’t have to eat rice, broccoli and chicken every day to be healthy.”
Thibeault recently spoke with LandonBuford.com about her partnership with Vejii came about and how are things are going in training camp. As she prepares to chase her dream in Toyko this summer.
How did you select the sport of boxing?
I chose to start boxing after my father brought me to the gym at nine years old. Boxing became OUR thing. Growing up, I looked up to my dad because he was a superhero to me. He was an amazing athlete, and I wanted to be just like him. Eventually, I developed my own passion for the sport, and I went on to dream about bringing home an Olympic medal. Fast forward 15 years, here I am going to Tokyo representing Canada.
How do you feel about participating in the Olympics?
Tammara Thibeault: I am very excited. It feels surreal. I have been working towards this moment for so many years and I am just full of gratitude, joy and excitement!
Who is your role model?
Tammara Thibeault: My parents are my biggest role models. They taught me to be strong, independent, and hard-working. My parents are two incredible individuals and I aspire to be as awesome as they are.
Where do you see your future in the sport of boxing?
Tammara Thibeault: I see myself on an Olympic podium! And also inspiring others through the sport. This is just the beginning of my long athletic journey. I’m here to stay for a while. Maybe someday I will make the transition to the professional ranks, but for now my goal is Olympic gold.
What would you say to young people who are interested in the sport of boxing?
Tammara Thibeault: Do it! It’s fun and it has a lot to teach you. You won’t regret it.
You recently partnered with British Columbia-based company Vejii. How did the partnership come about?
Tammara Thibeault: It was a natural partnership. Our values are aligned in the sense that we both want to impact the world positively. I have been a vegetarian for 3.5 Years now, and it has changed my whole perspective on food! I eat mostly plant-based at home and knowing that a company like Vejii is behind me on my journey as an athlete and as an individual makes a difference in my career.
How long has this been in the works?
Tammara Thibeault: This has been in the works for a couple of months already.
Where do you see the growth of the partnership within the next five years?
Tammara Thibeault: I hope that in five years, we will still be working together. I would like to continue spreading awareness of the benefits of a vegan diet or even just introducing vegan options into one’s diet on a regular basis. There are health benefits and environmental benefits that are undeniable and I think Vejii and I both want to emphasize these positive benefits for a long time to come.
How does being a plant-based athlete affect your performance in the ring?
Tammara Thibeault: I was lucky to be surrounded by an incredible team to help me adjust to my new lifestyle. Since I’ve transitioned, my weight has been much easier to manage, and my food is much more varied. I eat lots of different foods, and I am more aware of the food that fuels my body. My energy levels are high and I just feel better overall.
What criteria do you use to partner with brands?
Tammara Thibeault: That our values are aligned and that the relationship we create is genuine.
Would you like to get in the ring at some point with Claressa Shields?
Tammara Thibeault: Maybe, who knows! I have my eyes set on Tokyo and Paris 2024 for now.
Instagram, Facebook and web site: Tammscorner.com
