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Athlete turned beauty queen Michele Gumabao admits that she is still receiving criticisms for her body shape and size.

In an Instagram on Wednesday, August 12, Michele shared a photo of herself clad in a hot pink one-piece swimsuit alongside a lengthy note about body shaming.

Source: gumabaomichele (IG)

She wrote, “Transitioning from being a professional volleyball player to beauty pageants, I was and still am being criticized for being too big or too muscular.”

She revealed that she was being mocked by some for having a pair of “big” legs.

“My legs are too big, they say. Honestly they really are. Instead of being insecure about it, which is a constant battle of choice, I just remind myself that these legs got me through years of intense volleyball, allowed me to jump, play and win,” she added.

She then reminded her followers to genuinely love themselves and turn their focus on what really matters.

“If you constantly find yourself comparing who you are and how you look with others, may this remind you that self love and confidence won't be handed to you, it is a choice!

“I say let them hate, they'll never understand that these muscles are only made for champions,” she stressed.

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Transitioning from being a professional volleyball player to beauty pageants, I was and still am being criticized for being too big or too muscular. My legs are too big they say, honestly they really are 😂 instead of being insecure about it, which is a constant battle of choice, I just remind myself that these legs got me through years of intense volleyball, allowed me to jump, play and win. If you constantly find yourself comparing who you are and how you look with others, may this remind you that self love and confidence won't be handed to you, it is a choice! I say let them hate, They'll never understand that these muscles are only made for champions 💪🏼

A post shared by Michele Gumabao (@gumabaomichele) on Aug 12, 2020 at 12:29am PDT

Prior to this, Michele has expressed her aspiration of becoming a volleyball coach in order to help young and aspiring athletes realize their potential and fulfill their dreams.

“Through volleyball, I was able to put myself through school, join a professional team, support myself and my family, and start my own foundation to give back to my community.

“I hope to share this passion I have for sports to the next generation and help young and aspiring athletes fulfill their dreams as well. It took one coach to see potential in me that at that time, I myself didn't see,” she said.

Meanwhile, Michele is not only active in sports but also in extending help amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the beauty queen has launched her donation drive “Your 200 Pesos,” which aims to raise funds for people who have been greatly affected by the pandemic.