Jelena Dokic’s Latest Insta Post Slams Body Shamers

Jelena Dokic is no stranger to sharing. And we’re all the better for it.

In 2017, the former world number 4 tennis star wrote a candid and touching autobiography, Unbreakable, about her hellish ascent into high performance tennis, and the physical and mental abuse she endured at the hands of her father. 

The media personality also often shares snippets of her daily life on Instagram, as a way to cultivate community and show the person behind the public persona we all know. 

In her latest post on social media, Dokic wrote in her characteristic approachable and relatable way. She talks about her latest health journey, and an increased importance she’s placed on feeling her best as she steps into her 40s. The tennis star and media personality adds that despite what some hecklers might say, it’s not about the scales – it’s about how mentally and physically fit she now feels as a result of taking more time for herself. But the caption didn’t stop there, she had one very frank message to share: body shamers can take a hike. 

“It’s not good if you gain weight and it’s not good if you lose weight. It’s not good if you are a size 0, 10 or 18 it seems. 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️,” the post started. “So you all know I am very open and honest. Whether I gain weight, lose weight, [feel] depressed, feel great, go through the good or the bad. I am always honest about both sides,” Dokic wrote.

“So I thought I would just quickly address my recent weight loss because a few people have written to me and also commented. I have lost 20 kilos from my heaviest weight last year. I had some health issues but also I just wanted to get healthier and fitter and when I turned 40 last year I really started to think about my family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.” 

Dokic went on to write that due to increased work demands, she needed to be fitter both physically and mentally, and, above all, have more energy.

“I didn’t have enough energy, especially mentally, to keep up. I needed to eat healthier to achieve that. So, I didn’t focus on weight so much but just making better choices to feel my best. With that the weight started coming off,” explained Dokic. 

But Dokic asked people to be supportive and quit the subsequent weight shaming, saying that, “since a few people have already jumped on the judgement and shame train for my weight loss and said that I have succumbed to the ‘diet culture’ and don’t represent the plus size people anymore, please don’t even go there.”

“Getting healthier and doing what is best for me has nothing to do with it and I have always and always will stand up for both size 0 or size 20 people and especially women.” We love the sound of that. 

The former tennis champ went on to say that it’s important not to judge, shame or bully people based on their weight, no matter what size they are. Stating that. “While I have lost 20 kilos it changes nothing. I still want people to value me and others based on whether we are kind and good people. I will always be proud of myself and not hide or be embarrassed no matter what size I am. And I will always be against body shaming and against valuing people based on their size and weight no matter if I gain or lose some kilos and dress sizes.”

She finished with a perfectly final statement:  “I’m always against body shaming no matter what.”

Couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

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