Ilona Maher’s publication has garnered a lot of praise.
Ilona Maher has become known for breaking stereotypes. PDO
American rugby star Ilona Maher29, wants to show what a healthy and athletic body can really look like.
Maher, who also played twice in the Olympics, published a video on Instagram on Thursday in which he proudly presents his body, with no visible abs.
In the video, which was filmed in a gym, Maher poses from the front and side, revealing her powerful yet natural body.
– Posing with my perfectly normal and healthy stomach, like people with a six pack, Maher wrote in the publication.
In the caption, the Olympic bronze medalist revealed the deeper meaning of his message.
– I’m not saying that six packs are a bad thing, but I strongly believe that not all of us are meant to have them. They do not determine how fit or athletic a person is, Maher writes.
– I am a two-time Olympic athlete in a sport that requires extreme physical fitness. I’ve been pro for seven years and I’ve never had a six pack. I used to compare myself to teammates who had one, but I was still faster, stronger and more durable than them in some situations.
According to Maher, his biggest realization has been to accept his own body and its needs.
– I have learned that my body and mind need sufficient nutrition, and it looks different for me than for others, he states.
Finally, Maher sends a gentle message to his followers.
– Be kind to your body. We are not all made small. Take some space and see what your body can do, with or without a six pack.
The story continues after the picture.
Ilona Maher represents Bristol Bears Women at club level. PDO
The publication has collected millions of views and thousands of thanks from followers who praise Maher for his courage and authenticity.
– I just want to say on behalf of all women that we really needed you in our lives and that the world is so lucky when you exist, commented one follower.
– Every post you make makes me better, wrote another.
In recent years, Maher has emerged as one of the most prominent body positivity advocates in the sports world. He won bronze for the USA rugby team at the Paris Olympics and has been an exceptionally popular athlete on social media, thanks to his videos and candid speeches.
Maher has become known for breaking stereotypes in the sports world. In August of last year, he won bronze with the USA rugby team at the Paris Olympics and appeared in the September Sports Illustrated issue.
According to the magazine, Maher challenges traditional notions of what a female athlete’s body should be like. At the same time, he has also received criticism that his body looks “too masculine”.
Maher has not let the criticism affect him.
– There are always negative people who try to compartmentalize women and think they are weak, small, quiet and humble. However, that is not the case. Women can be strong and have strong shoulders. They can take their place and be big, Maher stated in his release in 2022.