Ilona Maher initially wanted to say no to

[@stacygriffin8221]

Not to address the negativity but why is it a problem when a woman does play a non traditionally female sport-- men talk about her. Just because she's a woman doesn't mean she has to be your type.

[@Mariabea63]

If a woman isn’t pleasing to a man’s eyeballs, she’ll get attacked every time. Men are so obvious with how they view us

[@LadyZoi]

Because men get angry at women they aren't attracted to. Those types of men don't see the point in a woman if she's not someone to sleep with.

[@yogawitherikacovey4209]

Rugby IS a woman's sport. It gives us the chance to ACTUALLY play

[@thewannabegamer9]

She’s my favorite contestant on Dancing with the Stars. She’s just so inspiring to me. Every time I see her in screen I can feel the insecure part of my inner child getting healed. I was taller and bigger than all the girls my age and I didn’t feel feminine for a long time. I think if I saw her as a kid on that dance floor, it would’ve changed some things for me. And now as an adult, I get to root for her to be an inspiration to little girls everywhere. ❤

[@jacobforrester9827]

Her footwork is already good enough to dance. And a ton of American footballers take dance classes to improve footwork. I bet it would translate well to her rugby skills.

[@tyl3rb-fw6ee]

That’s not how rugby works

[@majalkitab]

she is beautiful and great ❤

[@akis8421]

She looks like transgender😂

[@izabelladybacki-xs7vq]

she’s so beautiful

[@misslora3896]

Very beautiful lady. We're not all built the same... She's a healthy worldclass athlete. She's showing young female athletes you can do it. You don't have to be built like a dancer to look beautiful.

[@austinsolomona]

I love her so muchhhh

[@kellywinston8013]

I absolutely Love Her on the show! I think she's amazing and has a great sense of humor

[@Jess-kd7lb]

going from RUGBY to DANCING?? no joke and a super strange transition from raw strength to grace and fluidity

[@kendoola_petula]

“The many sides of an athlete” love that, she’s such a class act 😍

[@cloma2070]

You are amazing Ilona!

[@peacedarlynn]

We’re rooting for you Ilona!

[@stavrosescobar1624]

I'm a huge fan ❤

[@smz5302]

FABULOUS!!

[@JoeFabry-x3s]

You go, girl 💯 👍

[@carmengeorgeweddings3906]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ love her!

[@neilacarter1479]

Love HER❤❤❤ SHE IS BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING ❤❤❤

[@kathleenweinberg5991]

That sounds great

[@Kristinnnnnnlaughs]

That’s wtf is up

[@bellaenpointe]

I love this woman so much

[@brynajones8076]

She is gorgeous and a might powerful athlete...she is my hero.

[@phoebemugford4855]

She’s so fucking cool

[@davdsmotek1667]

I have enjoyed all your dance performances, and your humor.

[@CMarie2415]

Love her so much.

[@carmengeorgeweddings3906]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@nnh2584]

Love her ❤

[@mol4805]

​@@ajaannur3271 that's a lady with Lady parts. Not a man pretending to be one. Just a masculine lady

[@verucasalty5]

Who is ir

[@LosOGradysinMexico]

❤❤❤❤

[@chrismarte7682]

Thats a guy

[@xoxolovechristielynn]

Nope. Biological woman, you dolt.

[@mol4805]

If a sport turns me into a man, i would quit said sport. But that's just me

[@chrismarte7682]

@@mol4805 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@user-zj5kd6nc1l]

what makes you say that?

[@atadbitahistory9660]

Nope, she's a woman, she is Ilona maher, she is at the very top of her sport, in peak physical condition and as a lesbian I am so nursing a crush rn.

[@tyl3rb-fw6ee]

Saying there’s a “stereotype” and “sometimes females are put into a box” implies that you care too much about what others, even strangers think about your imagine as a woman. You’re a woman playing rugby? Good for you. You can dance? Great. You want to “show the world”? Honey the world will love you and hate you at the same time, that’s life. Want to cry about it? Go cry. Move on.

[@mr.b7004]

She’s literally doing the thing. Like… she moved on; you’re the one nit picking. Her motives are positive and helpful to those more self-conscious than her.

[@5-es4mn]

Why does he have a womans voice?

[@queenbey6678]

You seem miserable

[@COJY06]

That’s just a big strong confident woman ya little wimp

[@BrookeSeaman]

She is a woman. She was born a woman. She is an Olympic medalist rugby player. Built different. ❤

[@Alexa-qn6ke]

100.”% biological woman

[@JessM.93]

😂 im just as confused. Like what in the steroid is this?

[@jaizim735]

EWWW, THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT A GIRL/WOMAN 😮

[@Hhej927]

It is hear the voice

[@atadbitahistory9660]

She's literally a woman.

[@tasiafloissac1223]

Ewwww you're definitely not a man!!

[@lucarox123]

@@Hhej927ever heard of estrogen injections

[@mr.b7004]

She is a female. She’s a U.S. Olympian, Female Rugby player.