Ilona Maher built a loyal internet following long before helping Team USA earn its first Olympic medal in women’s rugby sevens. After earning Olympic hardware, Maher’s fame exploded, earning her millions of fans and an invitation to Dancing with the Stars. Alongside her fame came the trolls, who labeled her athletic frame and bullied her with “comments of being called a man, being called too masculine, because I have muscles.” However, contrary to what the naysayers said, Maher won even more hearts with her performances at the show.

Maher, who avoided elimination after Halloween Night at DWTS reacted to earning the ‘America’s sweetheart‘ moniker from fans of the show. Maher felt elated and amused as someone who never fit conventional beauty standards. “You know it’s so funny cuz I don’t I would never picture, I guess, someone like me as America’s Sweetheart, but I will take that,” the rugby player told EXTRATV.

However, despite accepting her title, Team USA’s rugby icon remained humble. “I think I’ve always been afraid of the term, like role model or sweetheart, cuz people think I’m like perfect, and I’m not perfect,” added the 28-year-old. So, even while accepting the title, Maher left a message for the fans who gave her the title.

“I also want to remind people that I am human, and it is with this fame, or whatever it is, comes so much more added pressure… But I do. I’ll accept the title,” the Olympic medalist said during the interview. However, despite her fear of the word ‘role model’, that’s exactly what Ilona Maher has become to millions across social media.

Even before appearing on Dancing with the Stars season 33, the athlete used her fame to spread positivity. Shortly after becoming the most followed rugby player on Instagram, the Olympian posted an uplifting message for those women who feel insecure in their bodies. “Dear girl with the big shoulders… You are not manly. You are not unattractive…” read the post. Now, as America’s sweetheart, the athlete aims to continue her mission.

What Ilona Maher hopes to achieve with her time on the show

Fame came knocking on Ilona Maher’s door after she emerged as one of the standout Olympic stars of Team USA, alongside fellow Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik. However, Maher used every opportunity to educate people instead of using them for her gain. The Olympian is far from the average Hollywood diva with a 5’10”, 200 lbs, muscular physique.

However, it doesn’t make her any less feminine. “I’m this very big, muscular woman, but I also feel so beautiful and feminine… I grew up not very comfortable, but I want to now make it easier for young girls to love your body.” Ilona Maher told PEOPLE ahead of her DWTS debut. That’s because the insecurities and online bullies are relentless.

Despite winning bronze, Maher faced online bullying after featuring on the cover of SI’s Swimsuit edition. In fact, despite learning to stay strong in the face of criticism, Ilona Maher is not immune to feeling vulnerable. Yet, Team USA’s rugby icon knows that the naysayers are relentless and that she has to be the same. So whether through social media posts, interviews, photoshoots, or DWTS, ‘America’s Sweetheart’ aims to inspire through every move.