Olympic medalist, and now social media star, Ilona Maher has been persistently utilizing her platform to uplift women all over the world. Chatting with those that have been advised that they don’t match into typical femininity or magnificence requirements, Maher reminds them of their inside power.
Regardless of being a powerhouse athlete and serving to the US medal in rugby for the primary time ever, Ilona Maher discovered herself subjected to pointless criticism.
Ilona Maher first entered the social media sphere in 2020 whereas documenting the behind-the-scenes environment of the Tokyo Olympics. These movies, mixed together with her witty humor and charming persona, rapidly grew her a loyal fanbase. This yr, on the Paris Olympics, her spectacular rugby efficiency and bubbly spirit made audiences all over the world fall in love together with her.
Regardless of being a powerhouse athlete and serving to the US medal in rugby for the primary time ever, Ilona Maher discovered herself subjected to pointless criticism. This was not based in any facet of her persona, character, or efficiency, however relatively her look. Confronted with feedback calling her too tall, too muscular, too masculine, and never womanly sufficient, Ilona Maher rapidly addressed the criticism she was receiving.
Ilona Maher first entered the social media sphere in 2020 whereas documenting the behind-the-scenes environment of the Tokyo Olympics.
“I feel the stereotype round a rugby participant is this concept that it’s essential drop your femininity and play a really masculine, brutal sport,” Maher mentioned in an interview with the Related Press not even a day after medaling, donning her well-known purple lipstick. “Myself and my group and a few others on the circuit like Australia and Eire, are displaying that femininity. We’re doing our make-up earlier than video games, carrying make-up, eager to really feel fairly on the market.”
Ilona concludes the interview by saying, “However that doesn’t take away from how superb we sort out and hit and run. You could be these issues, and the stereotypes round ladies’s sports activities simply needs to be thrown out the window now.”
I grew up taking part in aggressive soccer, and like Ilona Maher, I didn’t have a “female” construct like my mates in school. I wore my jersey to lessons and, slicked again my hair in a good ponytail, soiled sneakers with untied laces on my toes. The opposite women in school walked round in denims with bedazzled pockets, vanilla physique spray trailing behind them with their lengthy shiny hair, and walked with crushes that loved them again.
For many who wish to sustain with Ilona Maher or for readers who’re listening to her identify for the primary time, go try her TikTok or Instagram, the place she ceaselessly uploads content material.
My social media feeds didn’t assist my insecurities both; nobody had a broad again like me, and nobody had a stocky body and muscular thighs that might by no means contact. Nobody talked about being laughed at when their BMI was learn aloud in PE and the following humiliation of fixing within the locker room afterward. I felt alien and indifferent from femininity; I so badly wished to be seen as a woman however folks most popular seeing me as a tomboy. Nobody advised me I might be each.
I want so badly I might have grown up with somebody like Ilona Maher to look as much as. Somebody who’s authentically themselves and never afraid to speak in regards to the self-doubt they confronted rising up as a woman. Even now, in my 20s, seeing her flatten opponents whereas carrying brilliant lipstick brings pleasure to my coronary heart and helps that little insecure woman inside me heal. I’m so grateful that this new era of younger women will develop up alongside her encouraging phrases.
For many who wish to sustain with Ilona Maher or for readers who’re listening to her identify for the primary time, go try her TikTok or Instagram, the place she ceaselessly uploads content material. Additionally, be sure to take a look at her Dancing with the Stars debut, airing on September 17 on ABC and Disney+. Good luck, Ilona! We will’t wait to see what you do subsequent.
Supply: AP Information
