Rugby Star Ilona Maher: The Truth Behind the ‘Overweight’ Criticism and Her Inspiring Journey
Everything You Need to Know about Rugby Star Ilona Maher Who Has Faced Criticism for Being ‘Overweight’
Ilona Maher is well-known for her supremacy in rugby, fusing strength and speed to rank among the game’s most dangerous players.
Her ascent to fame hasn’t been simple, though, as she has frequently been criticized for having a “masculine” body.
Explore the fascinating path taken by Ilona Maher as she overcame criticism and became a powerful spokesperson for body positivity.
Ilona Maher’s tale is one of tenacity and perseverance, spanning from her early years in Vermont to her Olympic representation for the United States. Ilona’s path was highlighted by a big change to rugby, where she immediately made her mark, despite coming from a family that was heavily focused on sports.
Unfortunately, Ilona has always had negative body image issues. As an athlete, she was nicknamed a man for having a muscular build and was called “overweight” in her early years.
Because of this, Ilona advocated for body acceptance using her position, growing a sizable social media following and encouraging people to love their bodies.
The Path of Ilona Maher to Olympic Success
Although Ilona is well-known for her strength and agility when playing rugby, she didn’t begin her athletic career with the sport. Ilona was surrounded by sports her entire life, having grown up in Vermont. She thrived and cultivated a competitive attitude in the sports of field hockey, basketball, and softball during her formative years.
She and her sisters were always involved in competitive sports as children because they came from a family of sports enthusiasts. “Ever since we first picked up a ball, you could tell we were athletes,” she said. Nevertheless, Ilona was pining for something different in high school.
“By my senior year’s spring, I [thought] that my time with softball was over. I’d completed my stint in the outfield and winter pitching seminars. She said, “I was just tired of there not being much movement.”
She was encouraged to attempt rugby by her father, an experienced coach and player. Because of his infectious enthusiasm for the game, Ilona chose to give it a try. “It’s kind of a big motivator to make your parents proud in anything,” she said.
“I was a nursing student. For my mother, who works as a nurse, I entered the medical area. Rugby is my dad’s passion. In addition, To be able to repay them for all of their hard work on my behalf is truly just a drive,” she said.
It was evident from her very first game that rugby was Ilona’s true calling. “My father will explain. He was so excited,” she said. The player made multiple tackles and scored three tries in his first game back on the field. Her enthusiasm was only increased by her father’s enthusiasm and support.
Ilona had originally intended to get a nursing degree and play field hockey at the University of Vermont after high school. But her drive for change and her newfound love for rugby brought her to Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, which had recently started a women’s rugby program.
Ilona gained notoriety at Quinnipiac very fast, competing against Division I programs like Dartmouth, Penn State, Army, and Central Washington. She was given a starting spot because of her innate talent and diligence, but soon after, others started to say she could play even better.
You never see yourself to be a professional athlete, just like many female athletes. Perhaps you’re thinking about that as a player of basketball or soccer,” she said.
But the notion of representing the United States team started to gain traction. “I made it my goal to play for the USA in the spring of my senior year of college. Looking back, I’m impressed by that little kid who was jogging every day, getting two lifts a day, and practicing nursing in 12-hour clinicals,” she thought.
Ilona’s diligence was rewarded. She joined the 2020 Olympic roster after making her debut for the USA national sevens team in Paris, France, in 2018. Her Vermont town came together in support of her as the 2024 Paris Olympics drew near, thrilled to have one of their own on such a major platform.
Her mother, Mieneke Maher, said, “It’s nice to be back and realize that this was the kind of stepping stone for an Olympic career,” as she considered the experience.
The Olympian gave an absolutely amazing performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She scored tries in each of the three group games, and in an exciting 14–12 victory over Australia, she helped Team USA win a bronze medal—their first-ever medal in the tournament.
The athlete did, however, add in a lighthearted way that her father liked rugby in the 15s. “He makes jokes about how playing 15s is the real rugby and that playing sevens is just ‘fake rugby.'” His words are free to be said. I got to travel to the Olympics,” she laughed.
Ilona said, looking back on her Olympic experience, “It really never crossed my mind.” I believe that dream of competing professionally or attending the Olympics was always there in the background of my thoughts.”
“When I was young, and in some cases now, it would be almost dumb as a woman to think, ‘I’ll be a professional athlete’ because it’s so hard for us in this landscape,” she said.
Accepting Body Positive Attitude and Overcoming Reactions to Her Appearance
Ilona’s journey as a rugby player hasn’t always been easy, despite her achievements, particularly when it comes to her body image. Ilona has endured criticism all of her life for not living up to the conventional standards of feminine beauty.
The athlete shared in an emotional 2022 TikTok video that she frequently had to deal with comments about her appearance or inquiries about whether or not she utilized steroids. Ilona continued, saying that although though she was a highly self-assured person, she occasionally had problems with her body image.
She responded, “I think I’m getting emotional because I feel very passionate about this,” as she started to cry. She frequently had to face social norms that associate femininity with being little, sensitive, and muscular since she was a broad, robust lady. But Ilona never wanted to be like that.
Rather, she accepted her physicality and strength. She understood that her body was distinctively hers and had accomplished amazing feats, such as becoming one of the world’s best Rugby Sevens players.
Ilona had a hard time loving her body as a child, especially in light of the idealized pictures she saw online. The rugby athlete said that she has been labeled as “overweight” all entire life in a 2024 TikTok video.
But her supporters came together and stood by her. “You are flawless. A social media user wrote, “I adore your content and I can’t wait to support you at the Olympics.” One more said, “Ilona. You truly are a legend.”
“You are flawless in every way. in every aspect. Excited to support you!!!,” added a third. A fourth person said, “You’re incredible, really! I can’t help but think of Sandra Bullocks’ character from “Miss Congeniality” when I see your charm and sense of humor.
Ilona gradually came to the difficult realization that it wasn’t always necessary to adore her body without conditions. Rather, it was to recognize the capabilities of her body.
She was able to perceive her body as more than just something to gaze at thanks to this change of viewpoint. It had also propelled her to the Olympics and was a strong, competent tool.
Ilona’s admiration for her physique permeated her opinions about diet and nourishment. Eating healthily was for her a way to balance taking care of her body with having fun. Eating healthy didn’t mean limiting her diet to rice, poultry, and veggies.
It meant striking a balance, giving in to the occasional piece of cake or sugary cup of coffee, and happily gorging herself on two scoops of peanut butter without feeling guilty. Her background had shaped her connection with food, which was one of comfort and nourishment.
Ilona felt that food was a symbol of warmth and affection and that nothing was intrinsically harmful until it was eaten in excess. Ilona discovered a more positive and long-lasting narrative about food and body image by accepting her body for what it could achieve, instead of always trying to love how it looked.
Ilona also gave an impassioned speech on the value of body positivity, emphasizing its benefits for other women as well as for herself who may feel uncomfortable with their strength and muscularity.
“Please look at all the many body types that are on exhibit. Every bodily type is important. In a TikTok video shared during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ilona stated, “All body types are worthy.”
“From the tallest volleyball player to the tiniest gymnast, from a rugby player to a shot putter, and from a sprinter. Every physical type is gorgeous and capable of incredible feats. Really recognize yourself in these athletes and have faith in your own ability to succeed,” she said.
Nevertheless, Ilona has experienced some physical difficulties on her voyage. She broke her ankle badly playing touch rugby, which seemed to be a harmless activity. She needed surgery to put a metal component in her ankle to brace it after breaking her fibula and dislocating her ankle bones.
Although the injury was a difficult blow, Ilona saw it as a necessary part of being an athlete. She was lucky to have full-time access to physical and massage therapists as well as trainers, who aided in her quick recovery.
Ilona could concentrate on recovering and getting ready for the next games now that the season was finished and her team had earned a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Ilona maintained an appreciative viewpoint on her physique in spite of these obstacles.
Encouraging Self-Love on Social Media
Ilona has used social media to disseminate her message of empowerment and body positivity over the years. As of the time of writing, she has hundreds of thousands of followers on multiple platforms, encouraging people to value their bodies through her presence.
She felt obligated to serve as an example for children, demonstrating that it was OK to be strong and capable. When she thought back on her time in high school, she wished she had encountered someone who valued their body’s capabilities over its looks.
Ilona discovered a method to accept and value her own body even more by becoming an advocate for body positivity. Ilona highlighted her journey as a professional athlete through her interesting material. In the environment she cultivated where they might get inspiration and encouragement, followers also witnessed her own challenges and victories.
A TikTok video that Ilona posted in 2023 urged viewers to accept their bodies as they were, even with cellulite, since they were “completely normal” and “completely natural.” Even though Ilona was a “literal Olympian,” she was honest enough to admit that she had cellulite “everywhere.”
It is crucial to establish a profile, especially one specific to our sport. Building the brand is the goal. She underlined, “The game is really strong, not just for men, but also for women. Ilona became a cherished character on and off the field because of her outgoing demeanor and open conversations on body image that connected with her audience.
She shared exercise plans, dietary guidelines, and intimate looks into her life as a professional athlete. Ilona’s mother was especially pleased with the work her daughter had put in. “Having Ilona be an advocate for mental health, ultimately, you know, body positivity… I think it’s amazing,” she stated.
Ilona’s transformation from an erratic high school athlete to a rugby star at the Olympics is evidence of her drive and perseverance. She overcame physical obstacles and criticism to turn hardship into activism. Ilona, who had hundreds of thousands of followers, encouraged people to value their bodies.
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