By Em Helena | Published
Olympic medalist and now social media star Ilona Maher regularly uses her platform to inspire girls all over the world. Speaking to women who have been told they don’t fit traditional standards of femininity and beauty, Maher reminds them of their inner strength.
Despite being a strong athlete and helping the United States win its first ever rugby medal, Ilona Maher was subjected to unnecessary criticism.
Ilona Maher first appeared on social media in 2020 documenting the behind-the-scenes atmosphere at the Tokyo Olympic Games. These videos, combined with her witty humour and engaging personality, quickly gained her a loyal fanbase. This year, her impressive rugby performances and upbeat spirit captivated audiences around the world at the Paris Olympic Games.
Despite being a strong athlete and helping the United States win its first ever medal in rugby, Ilona Maher was subjected to unnecessary criticism — not about any aspect of her character, personality or performance, but rather about her appearance. She faced criticism for being too tall, too muscular, too masculine and not feminine enough, and Ilona Maher was quick to address the criticism she was receiving.
Ilona Maher first entered the world of social media in 2020, documenting the behind-the-scenes atmosphere at the Tokyo Olympics.
“I think the stereotype of a rugby player is this idea that you have to shed your femininity and play a very masculine, brutal sport,” Maher told The Associated Press in an interview less than a day after winning her medal, donning her famous red lipstick. “Myself and my team and players on other circuits like Australia and Ireland, we show that femininity. We put on makeup before the game, we put on make-up, we want to look beautiful on the court.”
At the end of the interview, Ilona said, “But that doesn’t take away from the greatness of our tackles and hit-and-runs. You can be one of those players too. We need to get rid of the stereotypes about women’s sports right now.”
I grew up playing competitive soccer and, like Ilona Maher, I didn’t have a “feminine” body like some of my friends at school. I wore tracksuits to class, my hair slicked back tight, and dirty sneakers with undone laces. Other girls at school wore jeans with sparkly pockets and dribbled vanilla body spray in their long, shiny hair, walking around with the girls they liked who liked them.
If you want to keep up with Ilona Maher, or if this is the first time you’ve heard of her, check her out on TikTok and Instagram, where she frequently uploads content.
Social media posts also fueled my insecurity. No one had a broad back like mine, or a stocky build with muscular thighs that you could never touch. No one talked to me about the ridicule of having my BMI read out in gym class, or the humiliation of changing in the locker room afterwards. I felt foreign, disconnected from femininity. I desperately wanted to be seen as a girl, but people preferred to see me as a tomboy. No one told me I could be both.
I truly wish I could have grown up with someone to look up to like Ilona Maher; someone who was not afraid to be herself and talk about the self-doubt she experienced as a girl. Even now in my 20s, watching her dominate her opponents while wearing vibrant lipstick makes my heart happy and helps to heal the self-doubtful girl inside me. I am so grateful that this new generation of girls will grow up with her words of encouragement.
If you want to keep up with Ilona Maher, or if this is the first time you’ve heard of her, check out her frequent TikTok and Instagram posts. Dancing with the Stars The debut episode will air on ABC and Disney+ on September 17th. Good luck, Ilona! We can’t wait to see what you do next.
sauce: AP News
