Ilona Maher stands tall in more ways than one. At 5 feet, 10 inches, her height makes her a force to reckon with on the rugby field, embodying both power and grace. But Maher’s influence goes far beyond physical presence; she’s breaking stereotypes and inspiring young girls across the world to embrace both beauty and strength in equal measure.
This two-time Olympian helped lead the U.S. women’s rugby team to their first-ever Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while also using her social media platforms to promote positive body image and challenge norms around femininity and athleticism.
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Early Life and Entry into Rugby
Rugby is not typically a sport children pick up early in the U.S., and Maher was no exception. Born with a passion for athletics, she started her sports journey in more common fields like field hockey, basketball, and soccer.
It wasn’t until she was 17 that she found her calling in rugby. Inspired by her father, who played at Saint Michael’s College, Maher’s talent in rugby was quickly noticed, and she was recruited by Quinnipiac University, where she helped lead the team to three national championships. By 2017, she was named the nation’s top rugby player, solidifying her reputation as a true powerhouse.
Strength & Beauty Personified
Beyond the field, Maher champions the idea that strength and femininity can coexist. Known for her bright red lipstick and confident style, she emphasizes that rugby players don’t need to sacrifice beauty for brawn.
She and her teammates have shown that femininity doesn’t detract from their athletic prowess. This attitude resonates with her followers, many of whom are young girls who see her as a role model.
She’s created a strong online presence, with over two million followers on Instagram and TikTok. There, she shares messages of self-love, positive body image, and humour, showing her personality and breaking stereotypes surrounding women in sports.
Embracing Her Body and Promoting Positive Body Image
At 5’10” and weighing 200 pounds, Maher is unapologetically proud of her body, which she uses to her advantage in rugby. She openly challenges outdated standards around body image and is not afraid to speak out about her experiences. In response to body-shaming comments, she’s spoken about the limitations of BMI as a measurement for athletes, encouraging her audience to focus on what their bodies can achieve rather than arbitrary numbers.
One of her most popular posts features a message to “girls with big shoulders,” encouraging them to embrace their powerful physiques. This relatable content resonates widely, helping her foster a community of people who feel empowered by her words and actions.
Building a Brand of Empowerment
Maher has harnessed social media to grow her brand, using TikTok and Instagram as platforms for self-expression and empowerment. During the Olympics, her humorous behind-the-scenes posts offered a glimpse into an athlete’s life, further growing her fan base. Her playful interactions, including recruiting retired NFL star Jason Kelce as an unofficial mascot, show her lighter side and help draw new fans to the sport of rugby.
As she told CNBC, she sees this as a lifelong mission, wanting to inspire young girls and women everywhere. She’s already succeeded in making rugby more visible in the U.S. and breaking barriers for female athletes.
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