# @thegistusa on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C_OWDspBpt2
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/22690874-thegistusa-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/a6b8ce171e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-08-28T18:45:42.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The GIST USA (@thegistusa) — https://gondola.cc/thegistusa

## Caption

In Ilona Maher we trust. 🙌⁣
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The American Olympic rugby star graces the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s digital September issue. Now that’s what we call a slay. 💅⁣
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At just 28, Ilona Maher has made her mark both on and off the rugby field. The Vermont native, who led Team USA to its first bronze medal in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics earlier this summer, is redefining what it means to be a female athlete. 💜⁣
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Maher is on a mission to advocate for women in sports with her motto and viral hashtag #beastbeautybrains, championing the idea that women can be strong, funny, intelligent, and beautiful all at once. PERIOD. 🫰⁣
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“I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do,” Maher says. “It showed me how capable my body is and it’s not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified.” Queen. 👑⁣
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Congratulations Ilona, can't wait to see what you do next! #thegist :sparkles:⁣
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(c/o sportsillustrated ilonamaher si_swimsuit)⁣
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#repost #womenssport #rugby ⁣

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 27,068
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- **Comments:** 178

## Tags

womenssport, rugby, thegist, repost, beastbeautybrains

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