Ilona Maher was one of many women to watch in the #Paris2024 Olympics and there is no better example of why inclusion is integral to sports.
In a landscape where women’s rugby often struggles for recognition, Ilona has harnessed the power of social media to bring visibility to the sport. But her impact goes beyond just visibility. She embodies the spirit of inclusivity—advocating for body positivity, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that every voice in the sports community is heard.
As we champion the surge in popularity of women’s sports, we must also recognize the pervasiveness of the limited scope through which we’ve historically understood and defined athletes. The status quo of dismissing female athleticism and only celebrating certain body types is changing…but the work isn’t done.
Sports that foster an inclusive environment, like rugby, open doors for athletes like Maher. And it's representation from athletes like her that allows millions of young girls to see a future for themselves in athletics where they didn’t before.
This is what an Olympian looks like. Let’s keep expanding our definition.
#olympics #sports #LinkedinSports #forbes #inclusion #womenssports
https://lnkd.in/dJX_ZXpE
Ilona Maher has become one of TikTok's most popular Olympians through her comedy, commentary on sexism in sports and support of all body types as she exposes the treatment she’s received for her own build.
https://trib.al/gGNNYaa
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1moShe is truthful, fun, not tiny, bold, humble and an overall badass. Keep speaking the truth sis.