Olympic champion tees off over 'sexist' criticism
American gymnast Aly Raisman has launched into a stunning tirade on social media after being criticised for her physique.
The 18-year-old gymnast won a gold medal and two silvers at Rio 2016 and then appeared in the 2017 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
But criticism from an unnamed male saw Raisman tee off on Twitter on Wednesday.
Lady at TSA: "Gymnast? I recognized u by ur biceps"
Man at TSA: "I don't see any muscles" & continues 2 stare at me
How rude & uncomfortable— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) May 24, 2017
I work very hard to be healthy & fit. The fact that a man thinks he judge my arms pisses me off I am so sick of this judgmental generation.
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) May 24, 2017
If u are a man who can't compliment a girls 💪🏻 you are sexist. Get over yourself. Are u kidding me? It's 2017. When will this change?
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) May 24, 2017
He was very rude. Staring at me shaking his head like it couldn't be me because I didn't look "strong enough" to him? Not cool.
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) May 24, 2017
Raisman has become a role model for young women following her triumphant Olympic campaign.
When asked about posing in Sports Illustrated, she said she wanted to honour the skin she’s in.
Aly Raisman sizzles in #SISwim 2017 🔥 https://t.co/uVOvZGfeIk pic.twitter.com/YitV1X0LHw
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 15, 2017
“I love my body. I can express myself in any way that I want,” Raisman told Motto.
“But that doesn’t give anyone the right to judge me. I think being a role model is about being a kind person.”
She received a raft of praise for her bold stance:
@Aly_Raisman It's not ANYONE'S place to say ANYTHING about how you look...who's mother teaches them it's ok to do that with a stranger?!?! You're right!
— Ron Pope (@RonPopeMusic) May 24, 2017
@Aly_Raisman Shake it off, he probably has a miserable life. You know your own worth 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
— Walter McCarty (@waltermccarty) May 24, 2017
@Aly_Raisman love you standing up for yourself ... good for you! come do our show when you come to NYC ...were all fans!
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) May 24, 2017