More than half of the medals won by the U.S. at the Paris Olympics were won by women, including breakout rugby star Ilona Maher. Now, in a new interview and swimsuit photoshoot, the Vermont native opens up about her path to success and her relationship with her body.
Maher strips down to his underwear to pose for the cover of the September issue Sports Illustrated SwimsuitShe wears several different bikinis as she poses on the beach. In some photos, the Olympic bronze medalist is the star of the show as she proudly displays the glam she and her teammates worked so hard to earn.
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These Olympics were filled with accusations against two female boxers, with prominent media figures wrongly questioning their gender identity. Maher has similarly not been immune to similar criticisms about her body. Yet, both in recent weeks and as a young person, she has never let it affect her.
“I always get called, you know, manly or whatever,” she said. “But I never felt that way. But I don't think you would bully a girl who could beat you up in anger. I like that [rugby] “It showed me what I could do. It showed me how capable my body was and that it wasn't just a tool to be looked at and objectified.”
“I am considered overweight [by BMI]”he added. “But unfortunately I'm going to the Olympics and you're not.”
Related: Olympic Rugby Player Ilona Maher Gives Powerful Lesson on BMI and Health
Time will tell whether the United States will be able to lead the way to victory at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.