Yahoo Lifestyle 
When people body shamed this Olympic gymnast, Twitter came to her defense
A Mexican gymnast who just competed at the Rio Olympics has been targeted by cruel body shaming comments - but fortunately they were soon overshadowed by inspirational and positive messages. Thanks Internet!
Alexa Moreno is a gymnast who competed in the vault, beam, uneven bars and floor exercise events and her body can do AMAZING things.
What’s more she represented Mexico at an Olympic level in a sport that rarely has Mexican representation.
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Moreno finished 28th on the floor and 31st in her all-around scoring, which eliminated her from the competition. Her critics blamed her physique for her performance; she weighs 45 kilograms. One user called Mexico's only female Olympic gymnast a "pseudo 'athlete'" that "fills a quota."
Alexa Moreno, otro ejemplo de pseudo "Atletas" que no debe de mandar la CONADE solo por llenar la cuota.
— Pirru (@Javo__O) August 8, 2016
There were also some very cruel memes doing the rounds.
La gimnasta mexicana Alexa Moreno en su segundo salto. Ya fue eliminada la muy pig. pic.twitter.com/fIbmbqzOAJ
— El Patriota (@DonZambucas) August 8, 2016
Luckily the interwebs is full of people who recognise the incredible strength and skill that goes into being an Olympic gymnast.
Proud of Mexican gymnast #AlexaMoreno who on top of being an olympian, has to endure degrading comments. You inspire https://t.co/Bfe9FKA8AS
— Yogini Lourdes R (@InnerPowerYoga1) August 9, 2016
I'd love to see anyone body-shaming Alexa Moreno do that badass floor routine she pulled off. She's a tremendous athlete and cute as can be.
— Calli (@CalliFugate) August 9, 2016
I'd love to see all the asshats body shaming #AlexaMoreno try to compete in the olympics #GetItGirl #YoudoYou
— Sydney Michelle (@sydneys413) August 9, 2016
#AlexaMoreno is just as beautiful and amazing as any athlete on those mats. Don't hate, #celebrate
— Brenda Patterson (@Saiya_Taicho) August 9, 2016
Beautiful, strong & amazing athlete giving us her best, Thank you #AlexaMoreno #MEX #Mexico loves you https://t.co/w26WcgLkKH
— Ili billy (@IcoryBu) August 9, 2016
I've seen present & past routines of #AlexaMoreno she is flawless. Thank u #Mex for showing the 🌍 u don't have 2 be skinny 2 be a gymnast 😆
— Vero (@VeroR5A) August 10, 2016
People are body-shaming Mexican Olympic gymnast Alexa Moreno, but they can't even do a flip on a beam or reach for the TV remote.
— Sarah A. Harvard (@amyharvard_) August 9, 2016
You are talented, beautiful and I wish I had those strong legs!! You have a great future ahead #AlexaMoreno pic.twitter.com/2rcPFOxHcS
— Spicy Latina Mom (@spicylatinamom) August 10, 2016
In a recent interview with Americas Now on CCTV channel, Alexa Moreno said: "Gymnastics is a sport that requires you to have it all: flexibility, coordination, strength, velocity.”
"Gymnastics is a sport for brave people. You need to be dedicated, have a strong will, and lots of persistency. I won’t stop until I have reached my goals."
Preach sister.
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