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Olympic medalist, and now social media star, Ilona Maher has been constantly utilizing her platform to uplift ladies world wide. Talking to those that have been advised that they don’t match into typical femininity or magnificence requirements, Maher reminds them of their interior energy.
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 ambiance 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 world wide 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 side of her persona, character, or efficiency, however slightly 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 ambiance of the Tokyo Olympics.
“I feel the stereotype round a rugby participant is this concept that you must drop your femininity and play a really masculine, brutal sport,” Maher stated in an interview with the Related Press not even a day after medaling, donning her well-known pink lipstick. “Myself and my staff and a few others on the circuit like Australia and Eire, are exhibiting that femininity. We’re doing our make-up earlier than video games, carrying make-up, desirous to really feel fairly on the market.”
Ilona concludes the interview by saying, “However that doesn’t take away from how superb we deal with and hit and run. You may be these issues, and the stereotypes round girls’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 friends at college. I wore my jersey to courses and, slicked again my hair in a decent ponytail, soiled sneakers with untied laces on my ft. The opposite ladies at college walked round in denims with bedazzled pockets, vanilla physique spray trailing behind them with their lengthy shiny hair, and walked with crushes that enjoyed them again.
For individuals who wish to sustain with Ilona Maher or for readers who’re listening to her identify for the primary time, go take a look at her TikTok or Instagram, the place she regularly 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 may by no means contact. Nobody talked about being laughed at when their BMI was learn aloud in PE and the next humiliation of adjusting within the locker room afterward. I felt alien and indifferent from femininity; I so badly needed to be seen as a lady however folks most popular seeing me as a tomboy. Nobody advised me I might be each.
I want so badly I may 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 lady. Even now, in my 20s, seeing her flatten opponents whereas carrying vibrant lipstick brings pleasure to my coronary heart and helps that little insecure woman inside me heal. I’m so grateful that this new technology of younger ladies will develop up alongside her encouraging phrases.
For individuals who wish to sustain with Ilona Maher or for readers who’re listening to her identify for the primary time, go take a look at her TikTok or Instagram, the place she regularly 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 are able to’t wait to see what you do subsequent.
Supply: AP News
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