Ilona Maher wants to continue to tear down social norms with her platform.
'DWTS' Contestant Ilona Maher Wants to Continue Breaking 'Societal Norms' and 'Be Somebody' Other Girls Can Look Up To
Ilona Maher is vowing to be the change she wants to see in the world.
The professional rugby player, 28, has gone from competing at the Paris Olympics to taking center stage during Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars. But despite all of the glitz and glamour, Maher has one main message to spread to the public.
Ilona Maher wants to break down 'societal norms.'
"Rugby requires a certain human and a certain sort of personality. For women especially, it's a person who is prepared to break societal norms, in a way, and play a sport that is generally thought of as masculine, manly, and too physical for women," she explained in a recent interview. "These are girls who said, 'No, flip that. I am just as strong. I'm just as powerful.'"
Despite being victorious and securing America's first rugby win in a century, the athlete faced harsh criticism over her size. Still, Maher has continued to inspire millions of women.
Ilona Maher wants to continue to be a role model for girls.
"It's just important for these girls to see me constantly out there showing that being big can be beautiful, and it doesn't take away from your femininity in a way," she pointed out. "Growing up, I had no athletes — except for Serena Williams — who looked like me and played a sport like me. I want to be somebody out there [so girls] don't feel like they need to change."
Maher doubled down on her purpose and breaking the stigma with her positive message during a recent DWTS press junket, explaining, "I think it'll just show what I've been trying to say, which is female athletes are so much more than their sport, so much more than the stereotypes that they're put in with the sport."
Ilona Maher is competing on Season 33 of 'Dancing With the Stars.'
"It's so awesome to show what my body type can do, and how beautiful it can be in all sorts of spaces," the contestant added.
During her big debut on Tuesday, September 17, Maher and her dance partner, Alan Bersten, got sixes across the board for their fun-filled Cha-Cha-Cha. In celebration of the solid first judgment from the panel, the Olympian and the dancer chest bumped.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten scored sixes from the 'Dancing With the Stars' judges.
Before taking to the dance floor, Maher said about the experience, "I'm used to running as hard as I can and stiff-arming somebody in the face. While that did help me get my Olympic medal, I don't usually let my savage competition side come out, because it's like a chained bear inside of me."
Women's Health conducted the interview with Maher.
Entertainment Tonight obtained Maher's quotes from the press junket.