Hillsborough Man Is Finalist in PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan Next Door’ Contest

CrossFit Trainer Credits Plant-Based Foods With Giving His Performance a Boost

For Immediate Release:
April 21, 2015

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

It’s time for PETA to name this year’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door, and 31-year-old Hillsborough resident Cristian Andres Berrio might just take home the title. He beat out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to become one of 10 male contestants to advance to the final round. Visitors to PETA.org can now help PETA decide whom it should pick as the two lucky winners—one male and one female—who will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of Humane Travel.

“All of PETA’s finalists are as attractive on the inside as they are on the outside, thanks to their decision to choose meals that are kind to animals, the planet, and their health,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “On average, vegans are fitter and trimmer than meat-eaters are—and of course, they spare the lives of more than 100 animals every year.”

Born in Colombia, Berrio, who enjoys traveling, got his start helping animals on his family’s farm, where several formerly mistreated and homeless dogs and cats lived after his family adopted them. Years later, his Buddhist faith inspired him to go vegan—and Berrio soon realized that his energy had increased on his plant-based diet and his CrossFit training, yoga, parkour, and other workouts had become easier. Berrio, who says going vegan was the best decision that he could have made for his health, is quick to take to social media to advocate for animals and loves sharing delicious vegan foods with friends and family.

Voting to help PETA determine whom it should select as the winners ends at noon EDT on May 1. PETA will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. Winners will be notified and announced by May 6.

For more information and to cast your vote, please click here.