Star rugby player Ilona Maher is an Olympic bronze medal winner who became a massive fan favorite during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her confidence, strength, and incredible skills inspired people all over the country.
Now she is inspiring others once again by opening up about body positivity and her recent experience walking the runway at the recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s Miami Swim Week Show.
During an episode of Jenna and Friends on Tuesday, June 3, Maher opened up about what it felt like to participate in the show and the message that she hopes it sends to other girls.
“It was amazing, I think somebody asked me, ‘Was it tough being in a swimsuit?’ I love it. I love showing my body, I love showing what this body has done for me. I mean, I’ve been to two Olympics now. It does amazing things on the field, and it’s just perfect for what it does,” she began.
@jennaandfriends_ "I love showing what this body has done for me." 💗 Olympic Bronze medal-winning rugby player Ilona Maher speaks about being on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue and walking the runway for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's Miami Swim Week fashion show — and how she does *not* prepare. #JennaAndFriends ♬ original sound - TODAY with Jenna & Friends
“And I think other girls seeing that and feeling like, oh my gosh, I look like her, I have the frame of her, I think not only has it helped me and made me feel more confident, I think it helps others too,” she continued.
Maher noted that she’s already heard from a lot of other girls about how her confidence inspired them.
“I love to see the girls, and I’ve got so many messages, like ‘That’s my body, I’ve seen it out there,” she said.
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