“I was always like, you know, called masculine or whatever.” Ilona Maher told Sports Illustrated. However, the Paris Olympics medalist who graced the magazine’s cover has once again stunned the internet. This time it was thanks to her powerful performance at Dancing With the Stars. The first thing that stood out to viewers was Maher’s choice not to pair heels with her dress.

Maher and her DWTS partner Alan Bersten walked out to perform on Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes’ iconic 1987 song (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life. Yes, you guessed it right, it’s the one made even more famous thanks to Dirty Dancing. You may also be familiar with Patrick Swayze’s Johnny famously lifting Jennifer Grey’s Baby in the film. However, it was here that the audience found out why Maher didn’t choose to wear heels.

While Team USA’s Rugby sevens star played ‘Baby’ to Bersten’s ‘Johnny’ on the DWTS stage, the Olympian flipped the script. The pro dancer and mentor lifted Maher off her feet during the performance. However, the 28-year-old added her twist, as she lifted and flipped her partner in midair, not once but twice. Once trolled for being muscular, the athlete blew the audience’s minds.

Maher’s mix of beauty and strength has always found its critics online. The Paris Olympics bronze medalist caused quite an uproar when she graced the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition’s cover in August. While many praised her confidence, many criticized her for not fitting the traditional beauty standards. However, Ilona Maher’s strength isn’t skin deep.

Despite the voices that tried to tear down the most followed rugby player in the US, she persevered. The 28-year-old blocked out the blind criticism and embraced how her sport has shaped her physique. “I’m this very big, muscular woman, but I also feel so beautiful and feminine,” the Olympian told People.

Now with a unique twist to the iconic Dirty Dancing routine, Maher has once again redefined that muscularity has nothing to do with femininity. For Team USA’s rugby icon, the DWTS platform is just another avenue to show what’s possible to other women.

Ilona Maher is on a mission to inspire

The rugby-seven athlete’s personality and confidence have allowed her to showcase pride in her physique. However, Maher is acutely aware that the reality is different, and many women do not feel the same way. So, the US national rugby team member has used every opportunity to advocate body positivity and awareness of women in sports.

Ilona Maher confessed about her comfortable upbringing to People. However, now she hopes to make other girls feel comfortable in their bodies. “I want to now make it easier for young girls to love your body,” Maher told People magazine. As an Olympian, the 28-year-old is aware that what sports you decide to pursue has a visible effect on your appearance.

Despite being trailblazers, Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky had very different physiques. However, Maher doesn’t want the next Simone Biles to snuff her potential because of body image issues. After winning bronze in Paris and rising to new rights of popularity, Ilona Maher hopes she can help as many girls and women as possible.

So it’s safe to say that the Quinnipiac University alumni is a trailblazer in her own right. While the rugby icon got a slow start to her DWTS campaign, the Olympian’s future in the show looks more promising than ever after tonight’s performance.