Tennis legend Serena Williams has proven once again that she is a force to be reckoned with—this time off the court. The 43-year-old, who welcomed her second child, Adira, in August 2023, recently achieved a personal milestone in her postpartum weight-loss journey. On December 30, Serena joyfully shared that she could finally fit into a Valentino skirt she had set as her weight-loss goal at the beginning of the year.
In a video posted earlier this year, Serena shared the story behind the goal. “I got this Valentino skirt when I was pregnant, and I was like, I’m going to be able to fit this when I don’t have a belly,” she said. While the road was anything but easy, her journey has been a testament to perseverance and self-love.
Throughout the year, Serena documented her progress, offering an honest look into her struggles and triumphs. By May, she was still unable to pull the skirt up, and even by midyear, zipping it up remained a challenge. However, she never gave up, embodying the determination that has defined her career.
When Serena finally tried on the skirt in late December, the result was worth the wait. “Oh, that feels better already,” she exclaimed as the skirt slipped on effortlessly. To her surprise, it even fit a bit loosely at the waist. Always one to keep it real, she joked, “I’m a Laffy Taffy or Skittle away from it not fitting.”
Serena’s achievement has resonated with many, especially as the New Year brings fresh resolutions centered around health and fitness. Her candid updates throughout the year have been a source of motivation for her followers.
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Back in July, after another attempt at fitting into the skirt, Serena celebrated her progress while offering words of encouragement to herself and her fans: “Don’t get negative if it doesn’t work out.” Her unwavering positivity, even in the face of setbacks, is a hallmark of her character.
Serena has also shared her thoughts on body positivity and the importance of embracing every stage of life. In a heartfelt Instagram post from February, she wrote, “Loving yourself is essential. I find that I have to remind myself of that self-love through all different stages in my life. Right now, I love that my body is not picture perfect. I love that I smell like milk—that milk sustains @adiraohanian. I love getting to know a new version of my body.”
Serena’s journey is a reminder that even icons face challenges but approach them with grace and determination. By “gymming” it up, as she calls it, and embracing the occasional snack, she has shown that balance and perseverance are key.
Her victory is not just about fitting into a skirt—it’s about proving to herself and others that self-love, patience, and hard work pay off. As Serena puts it, “Start this week knowing that you are loved, and that starts with you.”
For her fans, Serena’s journey is a call to cheer for themselves, just as they’ve cheered for her through the years. And as always, she’s leading by example, inspiring others to embrace their own victories, big or small.
