At 5’10” and 200 pounds, U.S. Olympic athlete Ilona Maher is an imposing presence. The standout rugby sevens player just made history with her team by winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Maher also stands out off the field, where her delightful and humorous social media antics have garnered her a passionate following. Maher not only shares her love of sport but also spreads body positivity. At a time of rampant gender confusion and disregard for biology, Maher’s message is worth applauding. 

The term “body positivity” has come to mean promoting anything and everything, even if it’s contrary to DNA or dismissive of health concerns because feelings are what matter most. In contrast, Maher shares a message that conservatives should embrace. I’ve yet to see Maher be political. Her message is a broad one of owning, celebrating, and taking care of the body you’re in, no matter what that looks like. This squarely opposes the push to reject your body in favor of what you “feel” you should have been.