At a Glance
- Ilona Maher, 29, responded to a man who said she looked “pregnant” in a dress
- The two-time Olympian posted a video on Jan. 10, 2026, that has 700,000+ views in one day
- Maher told the commenter he “probably hasn’t seen a woman naked in a long time”
- Why it matters: The athlete uses her platform to challenge body-shaming and promote normal, healthy bodies
Professional rugby player Ilona Maher is firing back at online body-shamers. The 29-year-old Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist shared an Instagram video on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in which she addressed a man who claimed she looked pregnant in a form-fitting orange dress.
The Viral Clapback
In the clip, Maher begins by repeating the original comment: “A guy recently commented on a picture of me and said, ‘You look pregnant in that dress.'” She explains the user deleted his remark after her initial reply, but she wanted to “do it again” for her followers.
She then delivers the same retort:
> “So to him, I say, ‘That’s just a normal woman’s body. You probably haven’t seen a woman naked in a long time, if ever, and I hope you never get the privilege to again, ’cause that’s just how we are, okay?'”
Maher stresses that her physique is typical for a professional athlete. “Me, professional athlete,” she says, patting her stomach. “I always have this, okay? I’m sucking it in right now. And I have it, so, please, please, stop commenting the dumbest stuff.”
The post’s caption reads: “I think this message is too important not to share again.”
A Pattern of Body-Positivity Advocacy
This is not the first time Maher has used social media to challenge narrow beauty standards. In November 2025, she uploaded a gym video set to Madonna’s “Vogue,” showing her stomach from multiple angles while flexing her back and biceps.
Overlay text on that reel states: “Posing with my completely normal and healthy stomach like those people with six-packs do.”
In the caption, Maher wrote:
- “I’m not saying six-packs are bad, but I do firmly believe that we aren’t all meant to have them and they are not a determinant of how fit or athletic you are.”
- “I am a two-time Olympian in an extremely fitness-based sport. Been a professional athlete for 7 years and I have never had a six-pack.”
- “I used to compare myself to my teammates who did have them. Yet, I’d still be faster, stronger, and fitter than some of them.”
She concluded by encouraging fans to “be kind to your body,” reminding them, “We aren’t all meant to be small. Take up space.”
Impact Beyond the Comments
Maher’s Jan. 10 video surpassed 700,000 views by Sunday, Jan. 11, and has garnered tens of thousands of likes and comments praising her candor. Supporters echo her stance that athletic ability is not defined by visible abs or conventional slimness.
The rugby star’s message aligns with broader conversations about body diversity in elite sports. By highlighting her own success without a six-pack, she challenges the assumption that leanness equals performance.
According to News Of Losangeles, Maher’s willingness to speak openly adds momentum to ongoing efforts to normalize different body types in athletics. Her platform as a two-time Olympian amplifies the reach of that message to millions of followers.
Key Takeaways
- Ilona Maher used Instagram to reject a pregnancy-shaming comment with a sharp, humorous reply
- The athlete emphasizes that her body is both “normal” and competition-ready
- Previous posts show a consistent push against six-pack culture in favor of functional strength
- The viral moment reinforces growing support for body inclusivity in professional sports
