“Many times in life I’ve been hurt by what others think of me, and the way I look.
“To overcome this, I became my own worst critic as a defence method, always thinking the worst of myself. I think my rationale was always to think the worst things possible so the thoughts of others couldn’t affect me.
“On reflection, I do find it sad as a young woman I’ve gone, and still, go through my own internal battles with the way I’m viewed by the world, and how much this impacts the way I dress, and what I do.”
As for what’s she’s proudest of? “My proudest achievement was the day I got my midsection out for the first time in yoga class,” Ali said.
“I remember going to class forgetting to pack a gym top. I only had some high waisted leggings and a sports bra. I sat in the changing room contemplating if I should even go into the class.
“I was with a friend who was super encouraging, telling me not to worry, that most other girls were showing their stomachs too and that I looked incredible. But in my head, it was just a barrier I’d never crossed.
“I did the class that day, looking at my body in the mirror for every second of it and pulling my leggings as high as they would go.