Ilona Maher Shares Powerful Message Ahead Of 2024 Olympics: 'All Body Types Matter'

As Ilona Mahergears up for the 2024 Olympics, she’s spreading a powerful message about self-confidence and body inclusivity to those watching at home.

Known for her impressive rugby skills and dedication to body positivity, Maher has become a prominent advocate for embracing all body types in sports.

Ilona Maher's latest message has gained the attention of many. She is urging everyone to recognize their own worth and feel confident, regardless of their shape or size.

On the morning of the official start of the 2024 Olympics, the professional rugby player took to social media to share a heartfelt video advocating for body positivity. In her message, she emphasized the importance of embracing all body types and encouraged viewers to celebrate their own unique shapes and sizes.

"As the Olympics officially start today, I want you all to take a look at all the different body types on display," she began. "All body types matter, all body types are worthy, from the smallest gymnast to the tallest volleyball player, from a Rugby player to a shot putter and a sprinter."

"All body types are beautiful and can do amazing things," she continued. "So truly see yourself in these athletes and know that you can do it too."

The athlete captioned the video, "There's a place for everyone in sport," a message that has captivated hundreds of sports fans, who have expressed their gratitude to Maher for her inspiring words.

Best-selling author Laura 'Biceps' commented, "Absolutely love this message!!! There is no WAY OF LOOKING to be an Olympian, to be elite at your sport! Cannot wait to watch it all!"

"I absolutely LOVE seeing the different body types at major international comps!" another fan said. "It’s an inspiring study of the human body! GOOD LUCK ILONA!!!"

"I could not agree more that there is beauty and strength in every body type. Good luck at the Olympics," a third wrote.

The comments continued to pour in, as one social media user expressed, "Love this. Also goes for the amazing Paralympians, who we can watch next month, too!"

"You’re like the best thing about the Olympics!" another wrote. "So glad to be following you! Just showed my 7-year-old daughter this video!"

"You’re amazing! Such great content - funny, inspiring, important! And, on top of that, you’re a kicka-- global athlete!" one fan wrote, adding two fire flame emojis.

In 2022, the Rugby player gained attention after her video on body positivity went viral.

"Hey everyone, just your monthly reminder that this is the body of a professional athlete," Maher said in the video. "This is the body of an Olympian. It's not perfect. It's not completely lean, it's not completely toned, but this body is amazing, and it does amazing things for me."

Maher then spun around to showcase her body from every angle while wearing a sports bra and athletic shorts. She makes sure not to pose deliberately or try to change how her body appears.

"There isn't one body type for female athletes or for women," Maher continued. "So today, I want you all to look in the mirror, appreciate what you got, realize what it does for you, and remember you're beautiful."

Earlier this year, Ilona Maher shared a TikTok video highlighting her cellulite during a game, which many people can find to be "embarrassing" or "gross."

“This is my leg from a past rugby tournament,” she said while pointing at the cellulite on her thigh. “I’m a literal Olympian. I’m a professional athlete. I run all day long. I lift weights all day long, constantly. And that is what my legs still look like.”

“I have cellulite everywhere,” Maher continued. “It is completely normal, completely natural. It doesn’t take away from your athletic ability or how fast or how fit you are. It’s just something that’s part of your body. We all have it.”

“Rockin' my cellulite,” she captioned the post.