Former Gold Medal Gymnast Talks Body Shaming And Sexism At The Olympics

Mexico’s Alexa Moreno performs on the uneven bars during the artistic gymnastics women’s qualification at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016.
Mexico's Alexa Moreno performs on the uneven bars during the artistic gymnastics women's qualification at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. Morry Gash/AP
Mexico’s Alexa Moreno performs on the uneven bars during the artistic gymnastics women’s qualification at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016.
Mexico's Alexa Moreno performs on the uneven bars during the artistic gymnastics women's qualification at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. Morry Gash/AP

Former Gold Medal Gymnast Talks Body Shaming And Sexism At The Olympics

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Another Olympic games, another round of body-shaming and sexism from onlookers and sometimes even the commentators.

American gymnast Gabby Douglas had her hair, body and patriotism questioned by people on social media. Those same armchair critics made fun of Mexican gymnast Alexa Moreno, calling her “fat.” She’s 99 pounds, by the way. The list goes on. 

One person who knows what that feels like all too well is former Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East. After winning a gold medal and three silvers in the 2008 Beijing games, Shawn came home to compete on Dancing with the Stars, and an onslaught of criticism over her body quickly followed.

Now, she’s teamed up with Dove for #MyBeautyMySay, a campaign aimed at calling out sexist sports reporting. Morning Shift talks with Johnson East about the campaign, her career, and her own experiences with body shaming.