What did Ilona Maher say about pregnancy comments?

Ilona Maher responded that her athletic physique is normal for a woman and not indicative of pregnancy, urging people to stop making such comments.

How does Ilona Maher view her body as an athlete?

Maher views her body as a powerful instrument that allows her to perform as a professional athlete, rather than an object to be judged.

What message does Ilona Maher send to young female athletes?

She encourages them to embrace their strength, accept their natural bodies, and reject societal pressures to fit narrow beauty standards.

Home / Sports / Olympian Ilona Maher Shuts Down Body Shamers

Olympian Ilona Maher Shuts Down Body Shamers

11 Jan

•

Summary

Ilona Maher responded to a commenter claiming she looked pregnant.
She highlighted that her athletic physique is normal for women.
Maher advocates for viewing bodies as instruments, not ornaments.

Olympian Ilona Maher Shuts Down Body Shamers

Olympian Ilona Maher has publicly rebuked online commenters who claimed she appeared pregnant in form-fitting attire. Maher, a key player for the U.S. women's rugby sevens team, shared a video clarifying that her athletic build is simply that of a "normal woman's body." She emphasized that such comments are unwelcome and stem from a misunderstanding of diverse body types, particularly those of professional athletes.

Maher, who helped secure a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has consistently faced unwarranted comments about her appearance. Previously stating she was called "masculine," she now embraces her strength, asserting that rugby has shown her the capabilities of her body, which she views as an instrument rather than an ornament to be objectified.

This stance aligns with body positivity advocates like Dr. Charlotte H. Market and Dr. Lexie Kite, who praise Maher for defying conventional beauty standards. They highlight the importance of her message, encouraging women and young athletes to celebrate their strength and reject societal pressures to conform to narrow ideals.