Ilona Maher: America’s Sweetheart – Tilly J
Following on from the the Paris 24 Games, a number of athletes have risen to the world stage. (inlcuding the Muffin Man). However, only one has truly won the hearts of all.
Her name is Ilona Maher.
Maher first entered the social media realm in 2020 while documenting the behind-the-scenes of the Tokyo Olympics. She is now currently the most followed rugby player on Instagram, surpassing the Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
Despite being a powerhouse and helping the US win an Olympic medal for the first time ever, Ilona found herself subjected to unnecessary criticism. Faced with comments calling her too tall, too muscular, too masculine and not womanly enough, Ilona Maher quickly addressed the issue using her social media platforms.
“I think the stereotype around a rugby player is this idea that you need to drop your femininity and play a very masculine, brutal sport,” Maher said in an interview with the Associated Press not even a day after medaling, donning her famous red lipstick. “Myself and my team and some others on the circuit like Australia and Ireland, are showing that femininity. We are doing our makeup before games, wearing makeup, wanting to feel pretty out there.”
Ilona concludes the interview by saying, “But that doesn’t take away from how amazing we tackle and hit and run. You can be those things, and the stereotypes around women’s sports just should be thrown out the window now.”
Maher also uses her platforms to promote body positivity and the sport she loves, all while insisting that women who run, tackle and throw stiff arms can still be feminine.
Not only does Ilona play rugby at an international level, she has a nursing degree and a masters in business. She ins’t just an inspiration for girls and women, but for all.
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