**PARIS — Ilona Maher and Chase Jackson are redefining what it means to be an Olympian, challenging the conventional image of elite athletes.**
Both Maher, a social media personality and member of the U.S. women’s rugby team, and Jackson, an American shot putter, defy the typical Olympic physique. Maher stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 200 pounds, while Jackson is also 5-foot-10 and heavily built. This is a stark contrast to the often sleek, slender, and muscular figures typically portrayed in Olympic advertising.
The dominant media portrayal of female athletes often adheres to unrealistic standards of beauty, with an emphasis on long, lean bodies and a particular look. Maher and Jackson are set on shifting this narrative.
As they prepare to showcase their talents on the Olympic stage, their goal extends beyond competing and gaining fans—they aim to broaden the conversation about women’s bodies in sports.
“I always want to get people into rugby. I think it’s the best sport in the world,” Maher said after leading the U.S. women’s rugby team to a 2-0 record in pool play. The team will face France in their final pool match before advancing to the knockout rounds.
“But I also want to encourage girls and boys to participate in any sport because I believe sports have the power to transform lives and demonstrate what your body can achieve—it’s not just there to be objectified.”
Jackson, a former high school sprinter who won the New Mexico state title in the 100 meters in 2012, has come to embrace the idea that “strong is beautiful.”
Reflecting on her younger years, Jackson shared, “When I was younger, I wasn’t the delicate dancer. People would comment on how strong I looked, and it was tough for me to hear that at 12.”
Her journey to self-acceptance was gradual.
“It took time to gain confidence and wear what I want in the shot put ring,” Jackson noted. “We grow up seeing a single standard of beauty, and if you don’t fit that mold, it can be discouraging. It’s crucial to highlight that there’s no one way to look like an athlete or to be beautiful.”
Both Maher and Jackson are actively sharing this message on social media. Maher, who has garnered over 2.7 million followers on TikTok and Instagram, gained significant attention during the Tokyo Olympics when athletes had to engage with fans digitally due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“It’s important for me to continue expressing my beliefs and for young girls to see it,” Maher said. Her growing influence, partly due to her focus on body positivity, has struck a chord with many, particularly young women.
