Ilona Maher, an Olympian and rugby player, recently shared a candid moment with her followers on TikTok, admitting that she was not feeling very body confident at the moment. Despite wearing a string bikini, Maher acknowledged that she knows her followers will support her and that the mind can sometimes play tricks on how we perceive ourselves. She proceeded to share some tips that she personally uses when she is feeling insecure about her body, acknowledging that it can be challenging to love your body all the time.
One of the strategies Maher employs is to focus on what her body can do for her and how strong it is, whether it’s going for a walk, lifting weights, or dancing. She reminds herself that our bodies are constantly changing and evolving, and that it’s important to give oneself some grace during periods of fluctuation. Maher also acknowledges that her workout schedule has been disrupted since participating in the Olympics and transitioning to “Dancing With the Stars,” which can also impact how she feels about her body image.
Taking a moment to breathe and affirming to herself that she is beautiful is another practice that Maher implements when she is not feeling her best. She reassures her followers that it’s okay to go through ups and downs in body confidence and that this will be a lifelong journey. Maher concluded her message by expressing love for her supporters and thanking them for embracing her. She has been known for her entertaining TikTok videos during the Paris Olympics, including parodies of life in the Olympic “Village” and promoting body positivity.
During the Paris Olympics, Maher and her team secured a bronze medal in rugby sevens, marking their first Olympic win. Maher’s presence on social media has been characterized by candid and raw content, addressing issues like bullying, body positivity, and currently her experience on “Dancing With the Stars” alongside partner Alan Bersten. In August, Maher was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, where she discussed the empowering lessons she learned from rugby about body acceptance and self-confidence.
Maher emphasized how rugby has shown her the incredible capabilities of her body, highlighting that it is not merely an object to be scrutinized or objectified. Her journey as an athlete and public figure has inspired many to embrace self-love and to appreciate the strength and resilience of their bodies. Maher’s willingness to share her vulnerabilities and struggles with body confidence serves as a reminder that everyone faces challenges with self-image, but through self-compassion and gratitude, it is possible to navigate these obstacles and cultivate a positive relationship with one’s body.
