Nastia Liukin Pays Tribute To Kobe Bryant For ‘Being My Muse’

Gymnast Nastia Liukin took to Instagram to remember the late legend Kobe Bryant on the three-year anniversary of his death.

Kobe Bryant was a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA until his sudden death in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Although it has been three years since his death, the Russian-American former artistic gymnast says that he continues to inspire her "every single day."

In a touching Instagram tribute, the five-time Olympic medalist wrote, “Hard to believe it’s been three years, today. I will forever remember every single detail of that day. KB, you are SO missed.”

“Thank you for continuing to inspire me every single day. Thank you for continuing to make me want to be a better person every day,” she continued. “Thank you for continuing to teach me what unconditional love truly means and that true ‘balance’ in life doesn’t exist - unless you’re on a balance beam (that was always one of my favorite things you told me) Thank you for counting to inspire an entire generation to believe anything is possible.”

“Thank you for continuing to teach us all we are not defined by one moment — whether it’s a success or a failure. Thank you for counting to make me believe that I am WAY more than ‘that gymnast in the pink leotard’….” she went on. “Thank you for being my muse — and thank you for teaching me the importance of being your own muse.”

She wrapped up her post, writing, “Thank you KB.... Here’s to us all living with Mamba Mentality forever. Until we meet again....” Many fans were quick to show support for her in the comments, with many calling it the “saddest day in sports history” but affirming the idea that “his legacy will still live on.”

“I’ve actually been listening to a motivational podcast lately and he was on. I heard him mention his book The Mamba Mentality and I bought it for my daughter is striving for the WNBA to read as well as myself. RIP,” one user commented, while another user said that his death “still doesn’t seem real.”

“I totally agree with you on this and I'm thankful that KB still inspires me for making me believe that I can achieve my goals and for making me a better mom to my son. Thank you KB I will always have the mamba mentality forever,” another follower commented while some users expressed surprise that it’s already been three years since he passed.

Although many took the time in the comments to remember Kobe, other fans were worried about Nastia Liukin’s health. She was recently in the headlines for withdrawing from the Fox reality series “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” after her costars called her out for not completing a test where she had to hold her breath underwater for twenty seconds by herself.

Just a few days ago, she took to Instagram to share a video of her new outfit, which created a lot of criticism. Although the 5’3” gymnast has always been petite, fans are worried that she might be becoming too thin.

In a ten-second Instagram clip, the 33-year-old former athlete shared a video that featured her getting dressed, starting with a black bra and high-waisted blank pants. She quickly added a strapless shirt to her look and pink heels with a bowtie on the front. Although some fans loved the outfit, others felt that she was getting too skinny.

"Not promoting a healthy body image for gymnasts or people in general. You’re getting skinnier and skinnier,” one user commented. “I thought so too. Always been thin, her natural state. But getting skinnier is alarming,” another follower agreed.

“I hope little gymnasts looking up to her don’t go down this slippery slope. The body checking, ‘clean’ eating, and restrictive lifestyle she promotes in her content now is so sad and toxic to her young audience of athletes. It’s ok to struggle, but spread that message rather than spreading denial and promoting eating disorders,” another follower shared.

That being said, some were quick to draw a distinction between "expressing concern" and "body shaming." One user commented, “These comments have me absolutely irate right now. 20lbs heavier and y’all are calling her fat… now she’s too thin. She can’t win, can she? How about you worry about your own bodies and stop criticizing hers, considering you haven’t lived a day in her shoes… or even know her personally, for that matter!"

"Call it what it is. You’re not ‘expressing concerns…’ you’re passing judgments. Let her family and close friends express their concerns if they feel there is a reason to be concerned and keep your judgments to yourself,” they continued. “Nastia, I hope the good comments stand out more than these rude ones because you look fabulous in this outfit! Just like all the other looks you post! Love it!”