"Not the image you would have of a sweetheart" - Ilona Maher weighs in on her receiving an honorary title from the American people

Ilona Maher highlighted that she didn't fit into the conventional definition of 'sweetheart' when she earned the title 'America's sweetheart' for her massive contribution to challenging beauty standards. Maher is on a three-month contract with the PWR team, the Bristol Bears, from January.

Maher, 28, played rugby sevens with the US women's team at the Paris Olympics, garnering attention and love for breaking stereotypes and talking openly about body image. She soon became an advocate for the same, inspiring millions by embodying feminity on the rugby field.

Maher started playing rugby in the PWR in January, amassing a record crowd at the Ashton Gate Stadium in her debut game. She was titled 'America's sweetheart' for her massive work in changing the scenario of a masculine sport.

In a recent interview with CNN in her hometown of Vermont, Maher addressed the 'America's sweetheart' label, sharing how her physical attributes don't go with 'sweetheart' but she is honored to bring so much attention to rugby.

"I love when people call me that because I feel like I’m maybe not the image you would have of a sweetheart in some sense of the word. I’m honored.”

The 28-year-old further noted how being happy in her body was the source of inspiration.

"This was kind of the trajectory I wanted it to take. I knew that in my sport, I wouldn’t just get to play my sport and be happy with it. I knew that I had to do more to have a comfortable life for myself, to spread my game, to spread rugby in general. So for years now, I’ve been leading up to this point, hoping to do what I’ve done."

Ilona Maher won the first Olympic medal for the US in rugby, clinching the bronze at the Paris Olympics.

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Ilona Maher addressed the way people generally perceive athletes on the field

Ilona Maher at the Bristol Bears v Leinster Rugby - Investec Champions Cup 2024/2025 - (Source: Getty)

Maher has been playing rugby since 17, growing over the years leading to her first Olympic appearance in 2021 Tokyo. Besides playing, she started creating content about the fun side of the sport, amassing a massive social media following. In a recent interview, she expressed disappointment over athletes expected to behave in certain ways.

"I think (people) put female athletes, especially, into a box, like that’s all she is — ‘She plays on the field and that’s it.’ They forget the personalities that we have, how funny we are, the friendships, the way we are outside, the way we like to get dressed up."

She added:

"So it was important for me to show many sides of me and the body positivity, body appreciation side kind of came naturally in a way because it is something that I feel strongly about."

Ilona Maher will look to compete at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.