Ilona Maher’s Body-Positive Message Is a Reminder You Need to Hear Today

The Olympian shared a personal anecdote on Instagram this week, which has resonated with many fans.

Ilona Maher / Christopher Polk/Penske Media/Getty Images

On Monday, Nov. 24, Ilona Maher took her Instagram followers “down memory lane” and shared a message directly to the adolescent girls in her fanbase. The sentiment, the Olympic medalist explained, stemmed from a question proposed by her own mother. The Vermont native was asked what she’d advise to younger girls who are struggling with their body image—specifically “who don’t understand why their [bodies] look the way they do”—and she began with a personal anecdote.

Maher’s message

“This young girl would cry constantly to her mom,” Maher said while a handful of images from the rugby professional’s youth appeared on-screen. “She didn’t understand why she looked the way she did. She never felt desired and felt uncomfortable a lot of times.”

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Maher also urged the younger viewers to be patient with their bodies, because, like them, they are “growing” too. “It’s really just trying to figure itself out,” the athlete continued. “You will not look like that the rest of your life. Confidence takes time to build. I’m still building it in myself, and I’m almost 30 years old.”

However, with this journey can come roadblocks, and Maher didn’t shy away from addressing one specific hurdle: comparison. Regarding this, the Olympian revealed that she “compared [herself] constantly to girls in [her] class,” because of her frame in her youth. In adulthood, that frame has propelled her to success.

Ilona Maher / Frank Micelotta/Disney/Getty Images

“Remember that girl you saw? Well, here she is now. She’s a two-time Olympian, Olympic medalist [...] and all-around hottie,” Maher gushed with frames from her professional endeavors. “I wonder if my younger self is shocked at who we became, but I’m here because of her.”

In addition to the prior accolades, Maher also won an ESPY at the July Award Show for Best Breakthrough Athlete, and also took her talents to the ballroom on Dancing With The Stars Season 33. She ultimately earned a spot in the finals of the ABC competition series and finished with a runner-up spot alongside her partner Alan Bernsten. Additionally, she teamed up with Mattel to launch her first Barbie in October, which featured its inaugural muscular sculpt.

The internet reacts

Ilona Maher / Molly Darlington/World Rugby/World Rugby/Getty Images

Maher’s reel has flooded with over 3,600 comments and counting in less than 24 hours on the app (at the time of this article’s publication).

“On behalf of all mothers of young, impressionable girls- thank you. ❤️,” one user penned.

“You’re incredible You’re helping to heal so many women ❤️❤️,” another fan wrote.

Another commenter exclaimed, “I know this wasn’t meant for your almost 50-year-old fans, but I needed this tonight. Rings true at all ages. Thank you ❤️💪🏻🔥.”

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