"A person who’s not perfect"- Ilona Maher opens up on being authentic and honest to her fans about her struggles

Ilona Maher opened up about being authentic to her fans about her struggles as she shared glimpses of her life on social media. The American athlete wanted her fans to know that she faces similar struggles and constantly battles within herself to overcome those issues, be it body image or self-confidence.

Maher concluded her Paris Olympics campaign after winning the bronze medal in women's rugby. Post the quadrennial games, the American rugby player opted to go out of her comfort zone and participate in the popular show, Dancing With the Stars, despite having no prior experience in dance.

Maher showed steady improvements in her performances as the show progressed and ultimately finished as the runner-up in the dance reality show. Her versatility, as well as her ability to succeed in multiple avenues, impressed fans. The success on the professional front often gives fans an impression of having a 'perfect life.'

However, in an interview with CNN, Ilona Maher spoke about being honest with her fans and revealed how she faces her own set of struggles that she battles every day. The support of her teammates has played an integral part in helping her develop self-confidence as she continues her pursuits to achieve greatness.

“Hopefully, what my fans see is also a person who’s not perfect, who shows every side of themselves … it’s a constant battle of learning to love and appreciate your body. It’s never going to be, ‘I got it. I figured it out," she said.

She added:

“That was what really helped me. And then my teammates — being around other women like that who are so confident kind of feeds into your confidence … It comes from inside. But it also can come from those outside factors and surrounding yourself with really good people.,”

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Ilona Maher on receiving massive support from her fans

Ilona Maher competes Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears - Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby - Source: Getty

Ilona Maher is one of the most popular female American rugby players on social media. The American rugby player was seen speaking to fans after her appearance in the match-up between the Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs.

The 29-yaer-old revealed how much she loves interacting with fans and creating a bond with them.

“I love that they (the fans) interact with me and they see me as somebody who they also can come up to. It is really cool that I’ve created that openness there. There are times when I’m like ‘please give me some space’ but other than that I really love that I am a person people feel very comfortable with.”

Furthermore, Ilona Maher revealed how their support has motivated her to push through her limits on and off the field. As she continued to chase her professional goals, Maher signed a three-month deal with the Bristol Bears amid the ongoing DWTS Tour. The American Rugby player is yet to announce her appearance on the tour as well as plans for the upcoming season.