Ilona Maher Shines at the ESPYs with Powerful Speech
Ilona Maher didn’t just take home the Best Breakthrough Athlete award at the 2025 ESPYs. She delivered the kind of speech that could inspire a whole new generation of female athletes.
Known for her fierce rugby game and empowering TikToks, Maher used the moment to highlight the strength and beauty of women in sports. Dressed in a striking black cutout gown, she accepted the award from actor Anthony Ramos and Olympian Gabby Thomas with humility, humor, and heart.
“It’s taken me seven years and two Olympics, but I finally broke through,” Ilona Maher said with a grin, before giving credit to her teammates and family. “I know it’s just me up here, but I’m a team sport athlete through and through.”
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“Strong Is Beautiful. Strong Is Powerful.”
In her speech, Ilona Maher didn’t just celebrate her journey, she spoke directly to young girls and women navigating the challenges of body image and confidence.
“My message stays the same: Strong is beautiful. Strong is powerful. Sexy is whatever you want it to be.”
She shared how rugby helped her embrace herself fully, transforming insecurity into power. Ilona Maher said that sport gave her identity, strength, and purpose when she struggled to understand her body as a girl.
Ilona Maher closed with a rousing call to action:
“Take up space. Pitch it faster. Run harder. Put another plate on the bar. And never tone it down.”
It was a moment that transcended trophies. A message bigger than a single award. Ilona Maher may have just added “Breakthrough Athlete” to her resume, but her greatest impact might be how she continues to break barriers for girls in sport.
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