Olympic Bronze Medalist and Professional Rugby player Ilona Maher is one of many women in sports who are breaking down barriers in and beyond her professional space.
From making parody Love Island TikTok’s at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to her “Best Breakthrough Athlete” ESPY win this past July, Ilona continues to bring awareness to under-reported women’s sports and the importance of body positivity.
Here is a breakdown of how Ilona has used her platform so far to positively change this generation’s perception of women in sports.
Social Media Influence
Ilona began laying the foundations of her platform back in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics. Many Olympians on social media at this time were raving about the infamous chocolate muffins and cardboard beds; meanwhile, Ilona was giving us her Olympic version of Love Island. Since her first Olympics, she has gained millions across her social media platforms.
Ilona’s charisma and humor may have gained her fame, but her ability to advocate for herself, her sport, and many other women is what makes her an inspiration.
Along with posting funny TikTok’s, Ilona’s platform is built on body positivity. She is not shy about posting herself in the most stunning outfits that show off her hard-earned physique. She is also not afraid to shut down her critics, most commonly men, when they try to make negative comments about her appearance.
Women’s Rugby
Rugby is more commonly known as a “male” sport rather than a “women’s” sport. But because of women like Ilona, who are confident in showcasing their talent and humor online, the sport has gained recognition in its female participation.
Ilona not only showcases her incredible playing ability, but also changes the perception of how female athletes can look. For a long time, there has been a stigma surrounding women in sports: the expectation that they have to appear slim and toned. Obviously, this cannot always be the case. When you participate in more physically demanding sports such as rugby, your body needs to be tailored for them.
Ilona is an amazing example of female athletes breaking these stereotypes by embracing her body and femininity. She breaks traditional body expectations for women in sports, showing that femininity and strength can combine to be something beautiful.
Dancing with the Stars
Just last year, Ilona competed in one of the current top reality competition shows, Dancing With The Stars (DWTS), and placed 2nd overall.
Ilona’s DWTS campaign was built around body positivity, raising awareness for women in rugby, and celebrating her femininity.
In addition to many of her dances dedicated to her USA rugby team and family, all her dances showcased the fierceness and beauty she possesses.
Throughout her DWTS tenure, she demonstrated body diversity and positivity on a national level, breaking down stereotypes that people may have had about women in sports.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit And Barbie
Last September, Ilona made a huge mark in women’s rugby history by becoming the first women’s rugby player to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Her magazine feature discussed her athletic achievements and mission to promote body positivity on a national level.
This past October, Ilona and Mattel announced that a Barbie doll inspired by Ilona’s strong, muscular physique is in the works. The doll will be part of Mattel’s “Team Barbie” line, encouraging girls to play sports confidently and representing girls who have the same physique. The new doll will be the first ever Barbie to feature a muscular body sculpt, aligning with Ilona’s mission to promote body diversity.
Ilona’s Impact
The bronze medal Olympian has made a huge mark in the sports world in such a short time, breaking down barriers with her incredible achievements and honors, while consistently maintaining her athletic mission.
Ilona continues to challenge traditional beauty standards and inspire girls to play sports. Her confidence and fierceness on and off the pitch will help shape perceptions of what it truly means to be a woman in sports.