Ilona Maher, the 28-year-old rugby star, has faced endless criticism. From comments about her physique, bold personality, and even body-shaming. But none of it has slowed her down. With a bronze Olympic medal and eight million followers on TikTok and Instagram. And she continues to thrive both on and off the field.

From flaunting her muscles and proudly showing her injuries to delivering sharp comebacks, she’s unapologetically herself. But with all her success and visibility, does she ever feel that quiet shadow of imposter syndrome—the doubt that she’s not truly as talented as others believe?

Did she ever deal with imposter syndrome? Like most of the athletes have? Well, this was the question that was asked to Ilona Maher by CNN anchor Christina Macfarlane on 22nd January. Ilona responded confidently, saying she hadn’t experienced it at all. “I don’t know what that is,” she stated, emphasizing that she feels she deserves everything she’s achieved due to her hard work.

She explained how her journey in rugby started in high school, continued through a late decision to play at a different school, and involved consistent effort off the field. Ilona shared how she’s put herself out there, posting videos daily, from Tokyo until now, allowing her personality and work ethic to shine.

When the interviewer questioned how it was possible to avoid imposter syndrome, Ilona Maher explained that she simply didn’t acknowledge it. “It’s OK to be proud of what you’ve done,” she said. She believes that it’s important for people not to feel pressured to experience imposter syndrome and that it’s perfectly fine to believe you deserve something after putting in the work. This mindset shows her overall strength, both mentally and physically. BUT…

Ilona Mahers’s strong mindset was also evident from the very start when she responded to body-shaming trolls after the Paris Olympics. A comment mocked her weight by suggesting she had a 30% body mass index (BMI). Ilona responded calmly, acknowledging the comment and revealing that her BMI was 29.3. She explained that BMI doesn’t define athleticism, as it doesn’t account for muscle mass. Standing 5’10” and weighing 200 pounds with an estimated 170 pounds of lean mass, she confidently said, “Yes, I have a BMI of 30. I’m considered overweight. But alas, I’m going to the Olympics, and you’re not.”

People recognized her answers as humorous and confident while showing how people can improve body acceptance standards. Be it on the field or in the face of criticism. And when she proudly showed off her nose injury? That was pure Ilona, confidently embracing every part of herself and showing what self-assurance looks like.

Ilona Maher’s nose break turns into a social media moment

Ilona Maher has been everywhere lately, and it’s not hard to see why. Over the past year, she helped the U.S. women’s rugby team win a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. She has also finished as the runner-up on Dancing with the Stars. And she took social media by storm with her hilarious and down-to-earth vibe.

The former Quinnipiac University standout has become a fan favorite for how effortlessly she balances her athletic accomplishments with her big personality. But this week, it wasn’t just her charm making headlines. Her broken nose from a recent rugby match with the Bristol Bears in the UK, where she’s been playing since signing with the team last fall, had everyone talking.

As always, Maher handled it with her signature humor. She jumped on Instagram to update her 4.9 million followers, casually saying, “All good, everyone. Just a little knock.” She followed it up with a video showing off the bruises and swelling while joking, “Guys, stop fighting over me. There’s enough to go around.”

Fans couldn’t get enough. Between her Sports Illustrated Digital Swimsuit Issue cover, her Dancing with the Stars runner-up spot, and her place on the Time100 Next list, Maher has proven she’s more than just a rugby star. She’s got a whole vibe.