Ilona Maher, the American rugby sevens star competing in her second Olympics in Paris, has delivered a powerful response to online trolls who criticized her body. Despite facing numerous negative comments about her appearance, Maher has used her significant social media presence—she is the most followed rugby union player, with 1.7 million Instagram followers—to address body-shaming issues.
In a viral video, Maher directly responded to a troll who mocked her weight. She confirmed that her BMI is around 29.3, acknowledging the comment with a mix of humor and factual information. Maher shared that BMI is not a useful measure for athletes, explaining that it only considers height and weight without accounting for muscle mass.
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Recalling past experiences of being labeled ‘overweight’ in high school, Maher emphasized that her BMI does not reflect her athletic abilities or fitness level. She highlighted her current physical stats—5 foot 10 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds with an estimated 170 pounds of lean mass—to challenge the simplistic nature of BMI as a measure of health or capability.
Maher’s response was widely praised online, with many users commending her for combining assertiveness with facts. Her approach not only defended herself but also sent a broader message about body acceptance and the impact of body-shaming in sports.
By addressing the issue head-on, Maher has become a role model for resilience and confidence, illustrating that one’s value and abilities extend far beyond mere numbers. Her stance is a reminder that true strength is found in self-acceptance and rising above negativity.
