Ilona Maher has earned a groundbreaking bronze medal at the Olympics, become the most popular rugby player on Instagram, and recently turned into a swimsuit model.

At 28 years old, Maher, a professional rugby player who has gained fame through social media, is making a major impact in pop culture, especially after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue.

The athlete, whose strong build has received both admiration and criticism online, shared her perspective on body image with the magazine.

“People have often called me masculine or similar,” Maher expressed. “I never internally identified that way. But you can’t really intimidate the girl who could likely overpower you. Rugby has empowered me by showcasing my strength and capabilities, proving that my body is more than just an object to be evaluated.”

Mental health professionals advise that Maher’s statements and her bikini photoshoot are significant. Her confident embrace of her athletic body challenges societal notions of acceptable female body types, showing that strength and femininity can coexist.

This message aligns with a growing movement in body positivity: valuing your body for its abilities over its appearance.

“Her message is about appreciating what your body does for you,” said psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis regarding Maher’s cover appearance. “Instead of focusing on negative perceptions, especially among women, let’s celebrate our bodies for their miraculous functions.”

What has Ilona Maher said about her body?

Maher confessed to not always feeling confident about her body. “I was a larger girl during my childhood; taking pictures was not something I enjoyed,” she recalled.

However, she’s now learned to appreciate her body for its capabilities, noting that it has carried her to the Olympics and soon onto “Dancing with the Stars,” where she’ll participate.

“If my cellulite were more ‘ideal,’ I wouldn’t be able to do what I do,” Maher explained, “And I think sports have been a great influence on this perspective.”

Maher posing for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue carries added significance. The magazine has traditionally showcased women with a certain body type, but there is a growing diversity in recent editions. By appearing on the cover, Maher signifies that women of varying body types can also feel beautiful.

“Representation matters for mental well-being,” remarked psychologist Alexis Conason, an expert in eating disorders and author of “The Diet-Free Revolution.” “Many women feel dissatisfied with their bodies due to a narrow definition of beauty marketed to them. This ideal is often unrealistic, making it feel impossible to achieve without significant effort.”

Why Ilona Maher’s Sports Illustrated cover matters

Experts point out that Maher’s swimsuit cover is both unique and ordinary at the same time. While she is an Olympic athlete with a more muscular physique than typical cover models, her photoshoot is otherwise standard.

This subtle yet meaningful approach signifies that all types of women’s bodies deserve recognition and appreciation.

“The way Maher is presented normalizes the idea that all bodies can be seen as beautiful,” emphasizing inclusivity in beauty standards.

“Attractiveness isn’t linked to a single type of body,” says Sarkis. “Different body types can be perceived as sexy. There’s no specific way someone has to look to feel or be considered attractive.”

While Maher’s magazine cover represents progress, it’s clear that one athlete can’t tackle all the problems related to body image in our society. Experts emphasize that it’s crucial for parents to demonstrate positive conversations about bodies and beauty standards with their children.

“It all begins with how we communicate with our kids and others about health and body image, especially teaching the younger generation that every body type is valid,” Sarkis explains. “Much of this is about setting a good example for body acceptance. I believe Maher has been a strong advocate for body acceptance, which is incredibly important.”