Olympian Ilona Maher Excels at Rugby… and Dance: “You Can Be Strong But You Can Also Be Really Sexy”

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As I read through Ilona Maher‘s words, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for this remarkable woman. Her journey from a young girl to a strong, successful athlete and media personality is nothing short of inspiring.

At one instant, Ilona Maher is ruling the rugby field as part of Team USA, while in another, she’s whirling on the dance floor during ‘Dancing With the Stars’.

At the same time, the 28-year-old Olympics medalist is seizing every chance that comes her way, but there’s a significant purpose driving her decisions. As a vocal supporter for women, Maher aims to demonstrate that one can transcend the labels or expectations often imposed by others.

She employs her social media presence to demonstrate that women of various body types can maintain confidence in all their endeavors. This is also the inspiration behind her slogan, #beastbeautybrains, and her decision to appear on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars (alongside her partner Alan Bersten) after the Paris Olympics.

She expresses that she feels both powerful and graceful on the field. It’s as if she’s adorning lipstick and a dress, feeling exceptionally attractive, while also showcasing her strong shoulders and muscles. Yet, she cherishes intelligence just as much, stating, ‘I love to be smart,’ to The Hollywood Reporter.

Below, Maher openly discusses her role as an inspiration for young females on social media, shares insights about her time on “Dancing With the Stars,” talks about winning her first Olympic medal at the Paris Games, and expresses her aspirations for five years from now, possibly competing in the Los Angeles Olympics.

Reflecting on the Paris Olympics this past summer, what was your most cherished moment during that time?

Reflecting on it now, securing a medal felt incredibly significant []. That moment is one I’ll always cherish. One of the memories that stands out is when I was tackled just before the last play of our bronze medal match. As I looked up, I saw my teammate Spiff sprinting down the field. Checking the clock, I exclaimed, “Oh no, time’s up!” Then I gave chase and managed to catch her. In that moment, I realized we needed a conversion to win, but the numbers didn’t quite add up in my head yet. It was Spiff who had to make the kick, and she wasn’t our usual kicker. As she took the ball with just four seconds left, I told her, “I’ll love you forever, Spiff.” My favorite part of it all? Sharing that special moment with my team, representing our country, and contributing something extraordinary to our program.

At what point did it become clear to you that your ambition was to become a professional rugby player, aiming to compete at the Olympic Games?

Many girls, given the practicality of things, often didn’t entertain the idea of becoming professional athletes, as opportunities like making millions in the NFL or living comfortably in the NBA are rare. I too, found myself not harboring such dreams due to financial realities. I needed to be pragmatic. So, I pursued nursing instead. I balanced nursing and rugby, but my primary focus was on nursing. It wasn’t until my final year when people suggested I could play for the Eagles or the USA team, that I considered it – a one percent chance to represent my country at the Olympics. However, I knew nursing would always be a stable option, so I decided to take this unlikely opportunity.

How has practicing for Dancing With the Stars been different from rugby training?

I find the task mentally challenging rather than physically difficult, as if you were trying to teach your hand to do something complex and specific, like growing it and making it perform various tasks. The struggle lies in my thought process because things seem more like puzzles or performances to me instead of natural, fluid processes. I’m still working on figuring that out, but it’s been a struggle so far. Additionally, I find it hard to grasp the concept quickly due to fear of embarrassment or looking foolish.

How did you interpret the viral video from DWTS featuring your comment, “I’ve been better than Carrie Ann,” following a challenging dance? It seems that many viewers found it refreshing to see such honest emotions expressed by someone so relatable on screen.

Everyone seemed to think, “You’re incredibly courageous. Wow, Ilona, you’re demonstrating that vulnerability is okay,” and I responded, in that moment, it felt utterly fitting. To me, it wasn’t an act of bravery. It was simply being myself, and in that instant, I didn’t feel particularly brave or good. Instead, I felt like I made a mistake… To me, it was just a typical human experience I happened to have on national television [Laughs].

What’s been your favorite moment about DWTS so far?

It’s intriguing that this moment is among my favorites, especially when we performed the iconic lift from Dirty Dancing, with him (Bristol) hoisting me up. The crowd seemed to be in awe, exclaiming things like “Wow, Alan lifted Ilona!” And when I returned the favor and lifted him, the roar of the audience was so deafening that I became slightly overwhelmed by their excitement. I enjoy this moment because it’s fascinating how we can create dances where, despite my strength and size, he manages to make me feel gracefully feminine.

In your role as a supporter of women’s empowerment, what do you wish young girls to grasp from observing you – that they too can achieve whatever they aspire to with determination?

As a fan, I’ve always been eager to emphasize that you embody so much more than the narrow labels society sometimes tries to impose on you. Throughout my athletic journey, regardless of the sport, I’ve encountered people who insisted I should be a certain way, but I never felt that was true for me. However, this didn’t deter me from loving the sport. I adore myself and embrace the title “Beast Beauty Brains” because I believe I can display strength on the field, feel beautiful while doing so, and cherish my intelligence and knowledge. It’s crucial to remember that people often try to define you or stereotype you, but their portrayal is just a tiny fraction of who you truly are. You’re far more complex, dynamic, and extraordinary than they can possibly imagine.

On days when you’re not working, how would you ideally spend your leisure time? What activities or pursuits make up your ideal free day?

I enjoy having a leisurely morning, but I don’t like to sleep too long. I might set my alarm for 9:00 AM. Then, I plan to go for a walk, grab some coffee, and stroll without music or perhaps listen to something if the mood strikes me. I simply enjoy walking and exploring different neighborhoods, particularly the wealthier ones where I can admire the houses. For breakfast, I might have a bagel or something else depending on what’s available. The rest of the day will be spent relaxing with no particular plans. Usually, I feel like I need to do something, such as going to the gym or running errands. However, I’m trying to learn to give myself time to do nothing. It’s quite challenging for me. Later in the day, I might lounge outside with a drink, perhaps a margarita, and my sisters. After soaking up the sun, we’ll get dressed up, apply makeup, and go out for a fancy dinner where we’ll sample everything on the menu. We’ll sit there for hours, then return home, possibly have some wine, socialize, and eventually sleep.

If you could go back and talk to little Ilona seeing where you are today, what would you tell her?

Instead of directly talking to her, I’d subtly express approval from a distance. I might return and pretend to be an ordinary passerby, commenting with a casual tone like “You really nailed it today, sweetheart.” She’d likely ask who I was, to which I wouldn’t respond verbally. Perhaps I’d add a compliment such as “You look stunning,” before walking away nonchalantly. I feel that everything she achieved led me here, so I don’t want to inadvertently disrupt it by saying something that could have unintentionally altered the course of events, as she managed on her own.

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in 5 years? Are you aiming for the L.A. Olympics in 2028?

Absolutely setting my sights on the L.A. Olympics! While I’m passionate about rugby, I’m branching out to explore other realms like Dancing With the Stars and more. This is not just about sports, it’s about media too. I want to make a lasting impact, expand my horizons beyond rugby as it’s quite limited. Yet, I see myself thriving in this space, inspiring others with my journey, and experiencing growth on a grand scale. There’s a hint of apprehension, but the excitement for what lies ahead outweighs it significantly.

If you could describe what makes Ilona Maher, Ilona Maher, what would you say?

It seems like you believe it’s the people in your immediate circle who have significantly influenced your personality and allowed you to embrace your true self. This group includes your best friend, family members such as your sisters, teammates, and all of them together. Occasionally, we all need that comforting confirmation that it’s acceptable to stay true to ourselves.

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2024-10-29 23:57