Competing at the national 2026 VIRUS Weightlifting Series 2 in Fort Worth, Biesterfeld lifted 100 kilograms, approximately 220 pounds, in the snatch and 123 kilograms, approximately 271 pounds, in the clean and jerk. Her combined total of 223 kilograms, approximately 492 pounds, secured her third gold medal of the competition.
The performance carried significance beyond the medal count. Biesterfeld has lived with type 1 diabetes since age 10, requiring her to manage blood glucose, insulin, nutrition, training and recovery while preparing for and competing in one of sport's most technically demanding disciplines.
"Every training session and every competition require me to manage two things at once: the barbell and my blood glucose," said Biesterfeld. "Type 1 diabetes demands constant preparation, but it does not get to decide how big my goals can be."
A St. Louis-based registered dietitian and founder of FuelWorks Nutrition, Biesterfeld uses her professional expertise and personal experience to help athletes understand the relationship between nutrition, health and performance. She competes with the Vegan Strong PlantBuilt team, whose athletes demonstrate that plant-based nutrition can support strength, recovery, and high-level competition.
"Ava's win challenges two assumptions at once: that diabetes must limit athletic ambition and that elite strength requires animal products," said Susan Peters, executive director of Vegan Strong. "She brings discipline and scientific understanding to every lift, and this three-medal sweep shows what is possible."
The 2026 VIRUS Weightlifting Series 2 was held Sept. 10 to 13 in Fort Worth. The event was part of USA Weightlifting's 2026 national competition schedule.
About Vegan Strong PlantBuilt
Vegan Strong PlantBuilt is an international team of elite athletes competing in strength sports while demonstrating that world-class performance can be achieved on a plant-based diet. Its mission is to educate people that plant protein is better for health, performance, recovery and the planet.
To learn more about Vegan Strong and the Vegan Strong PlantBuilt team, visit VeganStrong.org or PlantBuilt.com.
SOURCE Vegan Strong
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