Australian swimming legend Stephanie Rice has once again hit back at online trolls after her move to Dubai.
The 35-year-old became the target of social media backlash after sharing a series of posts documenting the recent move.
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She was particularly mocked for a video showing herself crying while flying first class to the city, leaving many to suspect she had filmed several takes before hitting upload.
Rice responded to the backlash, on Monday, by revealing she had felt “really really low” a few weeks ago and while she had since been feeling far stronger, the uncertainty mixed with negative comments had been difficult to process.
“I just wanted to say that it was a really low time for me and I’ve obviously made a lot of changes,” she told followers.
“And I’m walking a lot stronger in my faith and becoming a Christian and I’d already booked this trip in.”
But the backlash kept on flooding in on her social media uploads forcing the Olympic gold medal winner to hit back at the haters on Wednesday night.
In a video uploaded to her Instagram account, Rice showed off the highs and lows of her life as it rotated from crying clips to those of her smiling and living it up.
“We’ve all been broken at some point, some more than others … but never let that dampen your ability to shine love out into the world and onto others,” she captioned the upload.
“I see the negative comments on my recent posts, but what I feel is the hurt that must be behind those comments.
“My commitment to God is a new walk for me, I have fears, I have doubts, I have concerns … but I also know that the way I was moving through life before is not how I want to go forward.
“This year has been incredibly challenging and at many times I’ve felt broken … but God has given me the gift of His trust in me, His faith in me and His love for me.
“So to those struggling, stand strong, walk proud, you’ve come so far. Honour your journey, wounds and all … it’s made you into the beautiful soul you are today.”
In an upload to her Instagram Story, Rice posted an snippet of the video with four comments from users that had ridiculed her previous uploads.
She took aim at the negative remarks and cautioned those writing them to consider the mental wellbeing of others.
“First of all, thank you to all the beautiful people that share your love and support every single day,” she wrote.
“I want to highlight a few things when it comes to negative comments.
“Firstly, please consider how your comments could effect someone that is truly struggling with their mental health. I thankfully am resilient and strong and have been through this before so I know how to handle it.
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“But some people don’t have that strength so please consider that before you feel the need to say something that really doesn’t serve anyone but yourself.
“Secondly, yes, this past season of my life, especially this year has been one of many tears from the struggle, disappointment, heartache and ultimately loss in faith (which most people witnessed on SAS plus many more things behind the scenes).
“I want to share openly with you to give you courage in seasons of struggle … but also so you can be reminded that God will bless us again. And when he does, I will share that too because I adore seeing people happy and thriving, it gives me hope for my own life. As my journey unfolds, and blessings come, I hope you can see all that’s possible for your own life and we can enjoy in it all together.”
