Nastia Liukin Sends Sweet Birthday Tribute To Her 'Forever Muse'

Gymnast Nastia Liukin has a touching birthday message for her "forever muse."

On Wednesday, the Russian-American former artistic gymnast took to Instagram to share a touching birthday tribute to her number one supporter, her mother, former Soviet rhythmic gymnast, Anna Kotchneva.

In her touching Instagram post, the 2008 Olympic all-around champion shared a whole Instagram carousel containing photos of her mother and pictures of her childhood self alongside her parents. In the caption, she wrote, “To my forever muse… HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY thank you for inspiring me since day [one].”

“Your love, kindness, courage, strength, beauty, dedication, calmness, and much more, are all just about impossible to top... thank you for ALWAYS being our rock,” the five-time Olympic medalist continued. “Every single day you remind me how much I can only hope and dream that one day I can be half as amazing of a person, mom, and wife that you are to us. Thank you for always believing in me. I love you, Mom.”

Family friend Lori Bresciani Forster commented, “She is my friend, a confidant, and inspiring in every way! So special to be able to celebrate your mom tonight with your family!” Nastia replied, “We love you. Thank YOU (both) for flying all this way to celebrate her.”

Many fans couldn’t help but notice how much Nastia looked like her mother. “You look just like her. Happy birthday to your mom!” one fan commented. “Wow!! You are a mini-version of your mother!!” another follower agreed. “I can’t tell if that last photo is you or your mom!” a third fan chimed in as fans showered the post with messages of happy birthday!

In another recent Instagram post, the 2005 world champion on the balance beam shared a short video clip that featured her being photographed on an outdoor patio set. Although the furniture around her is all black, Nastia stands out in a red-and-orange chunky sweater and a long, flowing orange skirt. She complimented her outfit with a wide-brimmed orange hat that conceals her long blonde hair.

In the caption, Nastia wrote, “Vulnerability. It’s not about being the best or winning. It’s also not about losing. But perhaps it’s about having the courage to just show up when you can’t control the outcome. It’s hard. It’s scary. And at times can be dangerous. But you know what is even harder, scarier, and more dangerous? WHAT IF - living with the thought of ‘what if’ I would have had the courage to just show up, to just try, to simply be brave.”

Fans were quick to support her stunning snaps, with “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” singer LeAnn Rimes commenting, “This whole color palette is [fire-emoji].” Other famous friends called her “gorgeous” and “stunning” while fans showed support for Nastia in the comments.

“Loved this message @nastialiukin. Such an inspiration for many young girls and even some of us older chicks too,” one fan commented. “These colors are everything on you,” another follower agreed. “Love everything about this,” a third fan chimed in. “You have the kindest heart Nastia, thank you for always spreading love and positive vibes!!” another follower shared.

The 2005 world champion on the uneven bars appeared on the Fox reality series “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” but quit after her costars, notably British-American former freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy, made her feel as though she didn't really complete the challenge because she needed help completing a task that involved holding her breath underwater for twenty seconds.

In an interview with E! News after her exit, Nastia admitted, “I definitely did let somebody’s words get to me,” adding, “I let someone else’s thoughts about me dictate my worth and dictate the internal progress and the breakthroughs and that mental strength that I thought I had found and made to that point.”

“I do believe that I did leave because my integrity was at stake and I don’t take that lightly,” she continued. “I didn’t win the Olympics with special treatment and I didn’t want to receive any special treatment. Now, I do realize I allowed my own perception of myself to be impacted by other people’s words.”

In another recent Instagram post, Nastia took a dip in the pool in a cut-out swimsuit and posted a lengthy caption warning users not to let anyone control their narrative. Fans can check out that video by clicking here.