Team USA rugby centre Ilona Maher delivered an inspiring response to online trolls who criticised her body. The American rugby sevens star, competing in her second Olympics in Paris, has unfortunately been subjected to numerous negative comments about her appearance.
Despite this, Maher has amassed a significant social media following, recently becoming the most followed rugby union player, surpassing even retired stars like Sonny Bill Williams and Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.
With 1.7 million Instagram followers, Maher uses her platform to share a mix of training sessions, lighthearted moments, and encounters with celebrities, including Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce and tennis star Coco Gauff. However, she also addresses serious issues, such as body-shaming, which continues to plague many sportswomen.
In a viral social media video, Maher responded directly to a troll who attempted to mock her weight. She began by acknowledging the comment, which suggested she had a 30% body mass index (BMI).
Maher calmly confirmed, “Hi, thank you for this comment, I think you were trying to roast me. But this is actually a fact, I do have a BMI of 30, well 29.3 to be more exact.”
She shared a personal anecdote from high school, recalling the embarrassment of having her physical form labelled as ‘overweight.’ Maher explained, “My whole life, I’ve been this way.”
Maher consulted her dietician to discuss BMI, emphasizing that it is not a useful measure for athletes. “BMI doesn’t tell you much. It just tells you your height and weight and what that equals,” she noted.
She elaborated that she is five foot ten and weighs 200 pounds, with an estimated 170 pounds of lean mass. “Do that math in your head. You probably can’t. That’s pretty crazy, right?” she remarked.
Maher concluded by asserting that BMI does not reflect her athletic abilities or fitness. “It doesn’t tell you what I can do on the field, how fit I am. It’s just a couple of numbers put together. So yes, I do have a BMI of 30. I am considered overweight. But alas, I’m going to the Olympics and you’re not.”
Maher’s response was met with widespread admiration. One TikTok user praised her for “roasting and giving straight-up facts at the same time,” while another quoted her iconic line: “‘BUT ALAS I’M GOING TO THE OLYMPICS AND YOU’RE NOT’ sent me.” A final user expressed, “You are perfect. I love your content, and I can’t wait to cheer you on at the Olympics!”
Maher’s handling of the situation highlights her resilience and confidence, using her platform to challenge negative perceptions and inspire others. Her response underscores the ongoing issue of body-shaming in sports, particularly for women, and the need for broader awareness and change. By addressing the issue head-on, Maher not only defended herself but also provided a powerful message of self-acceptance and strength to her followers.
In a world where athletes often face intense scrutiny, Ilona Maher stands out as a role model, showing that one’s worth and abilities cannot be reduced to mere numbers. Her journey and her unwavering spirit resonate with many, proving that true strength lies in embracing who you are and rising above negativity.
