Lindsey Vonn sends powerful message to trolls in bikini photos
Lindsey Vonn has sent a powerful message about body positivity and smacked down the trolls with a series of photos of her impressive physique.
The Olympic gold medallist snowboarder took to Instagram on Tuesday to post a number of photos in a striking yellow bikini in Mexico.
'GOING TO OUT ME': Awful way Daniel Kowalski came out as gay
'GREAT HONOUR': Scott Morrison's massive call on Brisbane Olympics
The 36-year-old has previously spoken about the abuse she receives online when posting bikini photos, but is determined to defy her critics.
"You can judge me if you want, but I’ve been working hard in the gym and taking care of me," she wrote alongside the photos.
"So I’m going to post some bikini pics because I’m proud of myself. #beyourself."
Lindsey Vonn continues to spruik body positivity
In October she revealed the disgusting backlash she often receives.
"I’ve posted quite a few swimsuit pics lately, which is scarier than it seems," she wrote.
"Even as an athlete there are ruthless comments and media stories that tear apart my body and I admit it sometimes hurts me.
"I’m a normal person and sometimes I slouch, my stomach folds over, my cellulite shows on my butt, or I don’t fill out my swimsuit top just right.
"But, I always remember how my body has helped me achieve amazing things in my life and I am proud of how strong I am. I’m not a size zero and that’s perfectly fine with me.
"One thing I can promise all of you is that I never Photoshop my photos and am proud to officially never had any plastic surgery of any kind. No Botox, no fillers, no mini surgeries. Literally nothing.
"I am 100% natural and 100% Lindsey. So to anyone who is feeling self conscious or down about their appearance; stay strong, stay healthy and love yourself no matter what the haters say.
"Special thanks to all of you who have been positive and supportive… let's keep up the culture of body positivity going!"
The 2010 Winter Olympics gold medallist also opened up about how the COVID-19 crisis taught her to love her body.
"The pandemic taught me to love myself. It also taught me that we need to love each other," she said.
"There's so much hate in the world, and we need to support each other. Who cares if you have cellulite or you have wrinkles?
"You don't need hair extensions or Botox or injections, just be yourself.
"With my dogs, they love me no matter what, and that's how we should treat other humans. That's just how I see it."
Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.