The Olympics have arrived, and Americans across the country are rallying behind their favorite athletes as they aim for gold medals.
Olympic athletes showcase remarkable strength, endurance, and physiques that are truly exceptional.
Despite their remarkable athletic prowess, many female Olympians face criticism regarding their physical appearance, even though they are among the strongest women in the nation.
Ilona Maher, a 27-year-old rugby player representing Team USA, has competed in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. Recently, she responded to a comment on Instagram where someone insulted her by speculating that her body mass index (BMI) is 30%.
Ilona, who recorded her response video prior to leaving for Paris for the Olympics, says, “It seems you were aiming for a roast, but what you’ve actually presented is a fact.”
“Currently, my BMI stands at 29.3, which classifies me as overweight. This has been a consistent aspect of my life for as long as I can remember.”
Ilona discusses her experience of being labeled overweight from middle school through high school and beyond.
She felt deeply embarrassed when labeled overweight at school and tried hard to hide it from others.
After struggling with insecurities about her weight for years, Ilona decided to consult a dietitian. By seeking professional guidance, she aimed to overcome the negative thoughts she had been battling.
Ilona talked with her doctor about the calculations involved in determining BMI and noted that it often isn’t useful for athletes.
Ilona discovered that calculating her BMI, based on her height and weight, isn’t crucial for her progress as an athlete. Standing five feet ten inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds—of which about 170 pounds are lean muscle mass—her focus should be on performance rather than BMI.
Ilona points out, “BMI doesn’t accurately reflect my abilities.”
“The statistics don’t reveal my on-field capabilities or my fitness level; they’re merely numbers without context. They don’t reflect my muscle strength or overall physical condition.”
Ilona’s video demonstrates that no one can undermine her confidence with comments about her BMI. She firmly believes that BMI is irrelevant to her well-being, as her body is both healthy and exceptionally strong.
At the end of her video, she mentions, ‘My BMI is 30.’
Though I may be classified as overweight, I’m still heading to the Olympics while you aren’t.
Way to go, Ilona!
Since Ilona’s viral response video, she has shared uplifting content that promotes body positivity and encourages self-care. Additionally, following the success of that video, she earned a bronze medal at the Olympics—proving her critics wrong!
You can watch Ilona’s video on Instagram here.