Tess Holliday, the renowned model and body activist, is celebrating a significant milestone in her recovery journey after suffering a serious knee injury. In a recent TikTok post, the 41-year-old shared the joyful news of having walked 10,000 steps during a visit to Disneyland, a remarkable achievement considering the challenges she faced in the aftermath of tearing her medial collateral ligament (MCL) in March 2025.
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Reflecting on the injury, Holliday described the circumstances that led to the accident, recalling how she had inadvertently caught her foot on the tread of a sliding door. This misstep resulted in her collapsing onto her right leg, ultimately leading to the MCL tear. The injury brought with it a wave of emotional distress, leaving her grappling with feelings of depression and the fear of a future plagued by immobility.
“Last year at this time felt crippling,” Holliday confessed, acknowledging that merely envisioning herself completing a workout routine or walking on a treadmill for thirty minutes seemed insurmountable. The model shared her struggle with coming to terms with her capabilities and the journey that followed, describing it as one that required both physical and mental resilience.
During her recovery, Holliday found herself reassessing her life and values. “It really made me look at my life a lot differently,” she noted, emphasising that the narrative surrounding injuries is often clouded by societal perceptions, particularly for those in larger bodies. She stressed that injuries can happen to anyone regardless of their size, and added that the stigma surrounding these injuries often complicates the healing process.
In her TikTok video, she further reflected on the stigma related to body image, stating, “People get injured all the time, and I think that when you live in a larger body, there’s so much shame that comes around when you injure yourself.” This realisation prompted her to advocate for a healthier conversation about body positivity and the capabilities of all bodies, particularly during challenging times.
Holliday has also shared her insights about rediscovering effective self-care practices post-injury. She has gradually been able to identify new ways to nurture her body and mind, asserting the importance of perseverance: “I just want this to be a reminder to you that you are capable of more than you realise,” she encouraged her followers.
Expressing pride in her recovery progress, Holliday acknowledged that the path to healing was not straightforward and that it was made more complex due to how her body type was perceived by medical professionals. She stated that it took several months for doctors to establish an appropriate treatment plan for her injury. Nonetheless, she cited these experiences as integral to her understanding of her body’s strength and capabilities.
As Holliday continues her journey, she hopes to inspire others facing similar setbacks to keep pushing through. “Our bodies are brilliant and wonderful,” she stated. “So, if you’re in a similar situation, keep going because it absolutely gets better.” With her newfound perspective, she looks forward to living life fully and encouraging others to embrace their own journeys, no matter how difficult they may seem.
Her celebration of walking 10,000 steps at Disneyland marks not just a physical accomplishment, but also a symbolic triumph over the emotional and psychological hurdles she faced along the way. Holliday’s message resonates with many, stressing that personal struggles do not define one’s potential and that with dedication and the right mindset, significant progress is achievable.
In sharing her journey, Tess Holliday continues to challenge societal perceptions about body image and healing, paving the way for broader discussions on body positivity and resilience. Her story serves as a testament to the power of persistence and self-acceptance in the face of adversity.