'Call me cocky, but I call it proud': Model Steph Claire Smith sends a defiant message to women who told her to 'stop sharing photos of her abs because they set unrealistic standards'
She is one of Australia's most prominent fitness models.
But on Wednesday, Steph Claire Smith revealed she had been receiving a backlash from female fans for sharing photos of her abs.
The 23-year-old claimed that women had accused her of 'setting unrealistic standards' by showing off her ripped physique.
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'Call me cocky, but I call it proud': Steph Claire Smith has sent a defiant message to the women who told her to 'stop sharing photos of her abs because they set unrealistic standards'
In defiance, Steph shared a photo of herself flaunting her toned abs, which she accompanied with a lengthy caption.
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'I apologise if I ever offend anyone with these types of posts,' she wrote.
'But I am incredibly happy in my skin and I have always been one to confidently flaunt it. Call me cocky but I call it proud and happy.'
'I am incredibly happy in my skin': In defiance, Steph shared this image of herself flaunting her toned abs, which she accompanied with a lengthy caption justifying her fitness posts
She continued: 'Believe it or not, but my abs used to be an insecurity of mine in my younger years. I thought they always made me look like a boy and now I love how strong they make me look.'
Steph concluded by stating that she will always try to be honest with her Instagram followers, sharing body confident posts but also acknowledging the times when she is not feeling so good about herself.
Many of Steph's fans rallied behind her, calling her an 'inspiration' and insisting she has nothing to apologise for.
Insecurity: 'Believe it or not, but my abs used to be an insecurity of mine in my younger years,' Steph wrote. 'I thought they always made me look like a boy'
Steph revealed the secrets behind her famous abs in an interview with OK! Australia in June 2018.
She claimed her physique was a combination of good genes, core exercises and a healthy, balanced diet.
'I would be lying if I didn't call out genetics because [my stomach] is the strongest part of my body, and the first place I lose weight and the first that I put on muscle,' she said.
'But [I look my best] when I am eating right and eating less processed foods and drinking lots of water.'
That's her secret! Steph previously said her physique is a combination of good genes, core exercises and a healthy, balanced diet
