When a critic tried to dismiss Ilona Maher’s athleticism by citing her “BMI of 30” back in 2024, she directly corrected the claim in a TikTok video. It was “29.3 to be exact.” Maher then punctuated her message with the line: “But alas, I’m going to the Olympics and you’re not.” The Olympic rugby player has consistently chosen to confront the remarks head-on, sometimes with humor and at other times with sharp candor. Now, with the Rugby World Cup underway, the scrutiny has only intensified, and Maher has chosen to respond unmistakably.

She has even pushed back against stereotypes about femininity in her sport, explaining her choice to wear lipstick on the field as part of reclaiming control. “I see girls putting on a full face before they go play, and it’s us taking back our n

See Full Page