Jelena Dokic hits out at body shamers after being questioned for losing 20kg
Australian tennis great Jelena Dokic has once again hit out at online trolls, who this time have criticised her for losing weight.
Dokic, a former world No.4 and Wimbledon semi-finalist, has never been afraid to call out her critics.
She has faced a constant battle with body shaming, especially online, but has made it her mission to support body image acceptance in others.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The 41-year-old, who just wrapped up her commentary commitments at the French Open, revealed she recently lost 20kg from her heaviest weight last year.
She attributed the weight loss to healthier eating, but felt compelled to speak out after people shamed her for succumbing to “diet culture” and “not representing the plus size people anymore.”
“It’s not good if you gain weight and it’s not good if you lose weight. It’s not good if you are a size 0, 10 or 18 it seems,” she wrote in a lengthy post.
“So you all know I am very open and honest. Whether I gain weight, lose weight, depressed, feel great, go through the good or the bad. I am always honest about both sides.
“So I thought I would just quickly address my recent weight loss because a few people have written to me and also commented. I have lost 20 kilos from my heaviest weight last year.
“I had some health issues but also I just wanted to get healthier and fitter and when I turned 40 last year I really started to think about my family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.
“Also, my work has increased dramatically and I needed to be fitter both physically and mentally and have more energy.
“I didn’t have enough energy especially mentally to keep up. I needed to eat healthier to achieve that.
“So, I didn’t focus on weight so much but just making better choices to feel my best. With that, the weight started coming off.”
While a healthier lifestyle will often be celebrated, Dokic went on to say she was still getting judged.
“Now since a few people have already jumped on the judgement and shame train for my weight loss and said that I have succumbed to the ‘diet culture’ and don’t represent the plus size people anymore please don’t even go there,” she continued.
“Getting healthier and doing what is best for me has nothing to do with it and I have always and always will stand up for both size 0 or size 20 people and especially women.
“It was always about not judging, shaming and bullying people no matter what their weight and size is and instead highlighting that kindness is what matters not our size.
“So, while I have lost 20 kilos it changes nothing.”
Dokic added that she will “always be proud of myself and not hide or be embarrassed no matter what size I am.”
“And I will always be against body shaming and against valuing people based on their size and weight no matter if I gain or lose some kilos and dress sizes.”
“Always against body shaming no matter what.”
