Can vegetarian athletes meet nutritional needs?

Dietitians of Canada (DC), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have worked on various position papers throughout the past decade addressing the subject of vegetarian diets for the athlete.

A few key summary points are:

A vegetarian diet can meet the nutritional needs of competitive athletes
The athlete should consume high amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, soy products, fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Adequate daily calories and a wide variety of plant-based protein foods such as soy products, other legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds can provide the protein needs for vegetarian athletes
Special protein foods and supplements are not a necessary component for vegetarian athletes
Some nutrient levels to monitor adequately are: iron, zinc, vitamin B12, calcium omega-3 fatty acids, creatine and carnosine
Monitor blood iron levels and bone mineral density
Rule out eating disorders
There is insufficient research on how a vegetarian diet directly impacts performance

Below are three excellent and scientifically rigorous position papers discussing vegetarian diets. Click to read full PDF text.