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Ilona Maher, the American social media figure, does things she feels make her happy irrespective of the criticism thrown her way
Paris Olympics American rugby sevens Bronze medalist Ilona Maher has opened up about not compromising her femininity for playing a masculine sport.
The 28-year-old who recently signed a three-month deal with Premiership Rugby Women's side Bristol Bears, said she had won lipstick during rugby matches.
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08:00 - 07.12.2024
'I have something else' - Ilona Maher reveals reason she became rugby's biggest star
American rugby superstar Ilona Maher shot to stardom at the Paris Olympics and her personality as a social media figure has made her stand out since.
Talking to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Maher, who is a social media figure with a following of over 8 million across all platforms, added that athletes associated with masculine sports are often put in a box and expected to represent themselves in a certain way.
"They put athletes in a box. They think being a rugby player, you're a softball player. You have to be masculine or broad or do something like, you can't be that you don't want to get dressed up and put on makeup or do this thing," she said.
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14:41 - 04.12.2024
'She's going to be devastating' - Bristol Bears coach Dave Ward warns rival as Ilona Maher signs with the English club
The American is one of the star rugby players in the world and moving to England will only be proper for her to cement her status.
"The thing is, athletes and women are so versatile, you can be beautiful and wear lipstick. I wear lipstick when I play rugby because I just feel like I don't have to sacrifice one or the other. I can be a beast on the field, but also feel beautiful and wear lipstick," she added.
Maher has inspired women to embrace their natural body type and has often struck a chord with her fans, making her the most followed rugby player on Instagram.
Maher, who was runner-up in the Dance With The Stars stage, had kind words for girls. "I think for those girls out there. It's up to you to define your own femininity or whatever it is."
Maher is expected to begin her English rugby career in January 2025 but already her signing has been heralded as one of the best in recent times by the Bristol Bears hierarchy.
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