Teary-eyed, exhausted Ilona Maher delivers amazing postgame message (VIDEO)

Team USA's women's rugby breakout star delivers a powerful message to women and girls everywhere after winning a bronze medal at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Ty Bronicel | Jul 30, 2024

Jul 28, 2024; Paris Saint-Denis, France; United States forward Ilona Maher (2) carries the ball against Brazil back Gabriela Lima (9) during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

When American rugby and social media star Ilona Maher is playing on the pitch, she’s tough as nails.

Or should we say tough as bronze after Maher and teammates delivered just that: a bronze medal for the Americans in a wild ending, Team USA’s first-ever medal in rugby sevens.

But Maher, who has captivated audiences across the globe, showed her softer, vulnerable side when she posted this passionate message to all females, imploring them to tune out the negative and embrace body positivity.

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A post shared by Fangirl Sports Network (@fangirlsportsnetwork)

With 1.9 million Instagram followers, the most of any rugby player in the world, Maher's words will reach a wide audience.

And if this was the 27-year-old Vermont native's last rugby match, she made the most of it and left an indelible mark on her sport.

.@ilona_maher is a role model for girls, for boys, for literally anyone who wants to move through this world with joy. And she was that long before she and her teammates won a bronze medal.

Great stuff. https://t.co/kVfVBeDXTr
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) July 31, 2024

Her influence after Team USA's historic upset victory over Australia was immediate.

🗣️ “I hope this means more money and funding for us because we deserve it”

Moments after this interview with @ilona_maher $4 Million was donated to team USA by Michele Kang 💰

The girls finally getting what they deserve 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/6x14QN3MdX
— Stella Mills (@stellamills__) July 31, 2024

Paris has definitely been a sweet experience for Maher.