Serena Williams has written an emotional letter to her mum in which she thanked her for her support during the times she was called ‘a man.’
The tennis champion, who gave birth to her first child with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, posted a poignant open letter to her mother Oracene Price on the community website.
A few days ago, the 39-year-old wrote: ‘I’ve been called man because I appeared outwardly strong.’
And then she wondered how her mother managed to see the media scrutiny she constantly receives over her body.
Serena’s mum and husband Alexis Ohanian
‘I don’t know how I would react if she has to go through what I’ve gone through since I was a 15 year old and even to this day,’ she said.
Calling her mother the ‘strongest’ woman she knows, Serena detailed how since having her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr three years ago, she has noticed her child has her athletic body.
The Olympic gold medalist said: ‘I was looking at my daughter (OMG, yes, my dear Olympia) and she has my arms and legs! My exact same strong, muscular, powerful, sensational arms and body.’
Olympia Smart and strong like my mama
The first child for the 39-year-old athlete and her Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian was born on Sept. 1 and weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces.
Williams then went on to address her critics, recalling, “I’ve been called man because I appeared outwardly strong. It has been said that that I use drugs (No, I have always had far too much integrity to behave dishonestly in order to gain an advantage).
Serena and her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr
She added, “It has been said I don’t belong in women’s sports — that I belong in men’s — because I look stronger than many other women do. (No, I just work hard and I was born with this badass body and proud of it).”
The empowering message continued, “I am proud we were able to show them what some women look like. We don’t all look the same. We are curvy, strong, muscular, tall, small, just to name a few, and all the same: we are women and proud!”
She added that only now does she understand what it is like to be a protective mother.
“But mom, I’m not sure how you did not go off on every single reporter, person, announcer and quite frankly, hater, who was too ignorant to understand the power of a black woman. You are so classy, I only wish I could take your lead. I have a LONG way to go, but thank you,” she wrote.
Serena Williams says, “has my arms and legs! My exact same strong, muscular, powerful, sensational arms and body,”
She continued, “Thank you for being the role model I needed to endure all the hardships that I now regard as challenges — ones that I enjoy. I hope to teach my baby Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. the same, and have the same fortitude you have had.
“Promise me, Mom, that you will continue to help. I’m not sure if I am as meek and strong as you are yet. I hope to get there one day. I love you dearly.”
The tennis champ concluded to her mom, “Your youngest of five, Serena.”
