'Rugby showed me what I can do': Olympian Ilona Maher reflects on being a female in the sport as she covers Sports Illustrated
American rugby star Ilona Maher has had an incredible journey of late.
The athlete, 28, is now an Olympic bronze medalist after the U.S. rugby team's success at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Now, after capturing the hearts of millions with her empowering social media videos, Maher is covering SI Swimsuit's digital September Issue, with the editor in chief MJ Day calling it "a powerful statement".
READ MORE: Mariah Carey's late sister Alison 'got her wish' to 'die in her own home'
Ilona Maher reflects on being a female athlete as she covers Sports Illustrated. Ben Watts / Sports Illustrated
READ MORE: Glen Powell responds to producer's comparison of him to Ryan Gosling
In her cover interview, Maher spoke about how rugby helped empower her and accept her body over the years.
"I was always like, you know, called masculine or whatever," she told the publication.
"But I never felt that way... I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is and it's not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified."
READ MORE: What Christina Applegate thinks of co-star amid cast feud
The athlete, 28, is now an Olympic bronze medalist after the U.S. rugby team's success in Paris. Getty Images for USOPC
She also spoke about the gender pay gap in sports and rugby, saying women "make minimum wage" in the sport.
She explained to the publication she sometimes gets criticised for "doing a lipstick campaign" while male rugby stars promote what some see as better products.
It comes after Maher previously thrilled her fans when she shared an empowering message amid the Olympics about body image.
Maher previously shared an empowering message amid the Olympics about body image. Ilona Maher / Instagram
"As The Olympics officially start today, I want you to take a look at all the different body types on display," she said.
"All body types matter, all body types are worthy," she continued. "All body types are beautiful and can do amazing things."
Hailing from Vermont, she started playing rugby at the age of 17 and since then has had huge international success.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Most viewed in Lifestyle
Prince William and Kate back return to official duties with subtle nod to Prince Harry
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet start school in the UK: reports
Fresh blow for Prince Harry days after King’s letter clarifying his and Meghan’s royal status
Australia’s favourite fast food chain revealed in surprise result as giants score surprisingly low
