BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – U.S. women’s rugby star Ilona Maher returned to Burlington Thursday after her team won a first-ever medal at the Olympics in Paris.
It was all smiles as bronze medal-winning Ilona Maher greeted cheering fans at the Burlington airport.
“This is my hometown, this where I found… where I grew up, has shaped me into the athlete I am today. So so cool to see the community come out for something that could just be a five-minute sighting. So, it means a lot.,” Maher said.
Many of Maher’s family, friends, and local rugby players were ready to cheer her on as she deplaned.
“It’s phenomenal to have your child do your sport and then to succeed far beyond anything you could possibly do yourself — is very good and very rewarding,” said Mike Maher, Ilona’s dad.
“It’s just, I can’t explain it… but everything inside just welling up, you know? And just so proud,” said Edward Winant, Ilona’s uncle
It wasn’t only family singing the rugby star’s praise. For several years, Maher has been working to create a positive social media platform that has garnered millions of followers.
“I am comfortable knowing that my grandchildren — when I eventually have them — will be accepted into rugby because she has put women’s rugby in a place where it’s okay to play a tough, physical game and play it very well,” said Nick McCardle, the Middlebury College women’s rugby coach.
She also espouses body positivity for everyone, a message reaching millions more now than before the Olympics. “Really pride myself on the messages I put out, so it feels really good to get that recognition. But I think there’s a bigger purpose, and for me it’s making girls see and boys see what they can be, and feel confident themselves, and who they are, personality-wise, body-wise,” Maher said.
A message that her parents are very proud of. “She is normalizing the fact that we are not all the same size. And every size matters, and you need to be healthy, and healthy looks different in different ways,” said Mieneke Maher, Ilona’s mom.
“She’s so outgoing, that she’s so great, and so down to earth. That’s what I like — that she’s still standing two feet on the ground,” said Lily Beukenkamp, Ilona’s grandma.
After an extremely busy few weeks, Maher says she’s ready to be home with her family once again. “it’s been so amazing, and one of the best stories of my life. But I do think I just want to get down to square one and chill a little bit, phone away, and just be with my own thoughts up here,” she said.