She rocks a red lip and a dress, dazzling the internet with her charm, but when she’s not stealing hearts, Ilona Maher can tackle you with one swift move! On July 30, 2024, the Vermont native and her U.S. women’s rugby sevens team grabbed a historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

In a nail-biting finish against Australia, Alex Sedrick sprinted 90 yards to score the game-winning try, turning a 12-7 deficit into a 14-12 victory. This was the U.S.’s first Olympic medal in rugby sevens! Since their win, the TikTok sensation has been parading her bronze around the village and the City of Love. Still, she told EssentiallySports exclusively that the medal isn’t even the best part of her Olympic journey!

Ilona Maher was basking in the Paris sunshine with her shiny bronze medal draped around her neck when our correspondent, Shreya Verma, caught up with her just days before the closing ceremony. We asked Ilona about her favorite moment of the Games, and the world’s most-followed rugby player on Instagram shared, “It’s getting to meet so many new people and getting to have an effect on people and people sending messages that make me feel good.” So, what’s the most special message she’s received?

“When people say I’ve affected their young daughters and made them feel good about themselves,” revealed the two-time U.S. Olympian. With 3.5 million followers on Instagram and 2.3 million followers on TokTok and counting, it’s clear that fans are loving her Olympic adventure, her witty posts, and her unapologetic confidence. But Ilona’s not just a rugby star—she’s a beacon of body positivity for young girls and women everywhere!

Ilona Maher shatters stereotypes with her perfect blend of beauty and beast mode!

Ilona Maher, the 27-year-old dynamo aiming to lead Team USA to its first Olympic rugby medal in Paris, is taking no prisoners—both on and off the field. She’s shattering stereotypes by proving you can be both a fierce competitor and embrace your feminine side. “I think there has always been a divide,” Maher said to CBS, addressing the old myth that female athletes can’t be feminine. “I feel that I can be a beast and can play this very physical, aggressive sport while also keeping my femininity while I do it.”

Despite facing criticism, Maher has embraced her physique as an asset rather than a hindrance. She encourages women to get into the gym and push their limits, finding empowerment in strength. “For me, it’s really important that I am doing something that’s showing what my body is capable of,” she explained. Her message? “Get in the gym and lift weights, like see what your body can do, you know, do get to the point where you can do a pull-up. Oh man, I’m so powerful. I can do this. I just think it gave me a new perspective on my body.”

Ilona Maher also perfectly clapped back when a troll tried to body-shame her on TikTok. The commenter, who has since deleted their account, wrote, “I bet that person has a 30% BMI,” prompting Maher to deliver a legendary clapback. “Hi, thank you for this comment,” she began in her now-viral video. “I do have a BMI of 30. Well, 29.3 to be exact.” She explained that BMI doesn’t reflect athletic ability, saying, “It’s just a couple of numbers put together. It doesn’t tell you how much muscle I have.” She ended with a classic zinger: “Alas, I’m going to the Olympics—and you’re not.”

Despite her nerves about being a role model, Maher is proud of her positive impact, inspiring many girls to take up rugby and make lasting friendships. “I’m honored and I just hope to keep exposing America to rugby,” she said. As we reflect on Ilona Maher’s incredible journey and how she’s used her platform to champion the idea that athletes come in all shapes and sizes, what are your thoughts on her chat with EssentiallySports? Share your insights in the comments below!