Gymnast Nastia Liukin Defends 'Skinny' Legs In Barbie Look
By Rebecca Cukier on June 7, 2021 at 10:11 AM EDT
NastiaLiukin/Instagram
Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin is clapping back after getting skinny-shamed in a polka-dot dress as she went "Not Your Barbie." The 31-year-old five-time Olympic medalist, making 2020 headlines for a high-profile anorexia storm, was seemingly still the target for concern in a recent Instagram post, with fans of the Russian-born star expressing worry over her super-slim frame. Nastia, who is known for her clap-backs and didn't appreciate the "gross skinny chicken legs" comment in a separate storm, didn't ignore the fresh remark. Check it out below.
NastiaLiukin/Instagram
Scroll for the photos, ones seeing the Dallas, TX-based star out in Charlseton, North Carolina. Nastia had been snapped in a series of super-girly images, channeling her well-known love of pink, and going with a thigh-skimming, floaty, and fun pink strapless minidress, one adorned with bold polka dots and flirty layers.
Rocking high heels and definitely showing off her Gold Medal legs, Nastia sent out smiles by a pink wall with attractive sconce lighting, writing: "Currently playing: not your barbie by ava max."
NastiaLiukin/Instagram
Nastia, followed by 1 million on her Instagram, now sees a concerned comment launching a storm. "I’m sorry, but your legs look too skinny. It’s not about body shaming. It’s just I’m concerned," the user wrote.
It was a while before Nastia waded in, but others did. One follower replied that it's "genetics" and that's "how she will always look." Nastia was raised by two Olympic gymnast parents. For one user, though, it just didn't wash and that kind of remark would never be left to an overweight individual.
NastiaLiukin/Instagram
The user wrote: "Would you say the same thing to an overweight person? Seems it’s ok to tell thin girls they look unhealthy, but not overweight girls. If you wouldn’t tell an overweight girl she looks unhealthy then it’s not ok to tell a thin girl she does. Thin girls have the same feelings."
Liukin, who this year revealed she always stocks her pantries with Oreo cookies and has even updated while chowing down on pizza, has now responded to the user backing her.
NastiaLiukin/Instagram
The 2008 all-around champion thanked the follower for their backing with a a heart emoji. She's also replied to the OP:
"Andrea, I’m doing just fine, thank you for your concern tho! sending you love. xo."
October 2020 marked Nastia firing back over anorexia comments as she was asked how it felt to be promoting "borderline anorexia looking bodies." The blonde said she felt "triggered" and "p-ssed" by the comment, writing that "This is MY body" as she fired back in a skin-tight dress. If you missed her pizza binge, just scroll!
