“I was always, you know, called male or something.” Ilona Maher told Sports Illustrated: However, the Paris Olympic medalist who graced the cover of the magazine has surprised the internet once again. This time, it was thanks to her impressive performance on Dancing With the Stars. The first thing that caught viewers’ attention was Maher’s decision not to wear high heels with her dress.

Maher and her DWTS partner Alan Bersten left the stage to perform the iconic 1987 song by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (I had) the time of my life. Yes, you guessed right, it’s the movie that became even more famous thanks to Dirty Dancing. You might also know Patrick Swayze’s Johnny, who lifts up Jennifer Grey’s baby in the film. However, this is where audiences learned why Maher chose not to wear high heels.

While the US rugby sevens star played ‘Baby’ to Bersten’s ‘Johnny’ On the DWTS stage, the Olympian turned the tables. The professional dancer and mentor lifted Maher off her feet during the performance. However, the 28-year-old added her own twist by lifting her partner in the air and spinning her not once, but twice. After previously being mocked for her muscles, the athlete stunned the audience.

Maher’s mix of beauty and strength has always drawn criticism online. The Paris Olympic bronze medalist caused quite a stir when she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue in August. While many praised her confidence, many criticized her for not conforming to traditional beauty standards. Ilona Maher’s strength isn’t just skin deep, though.

Despite the voices that tried to denigrate the USA’s most followed female rugby player, she persevered. The 28-year-old ignored the blind criticism and accepted how her sport has shaped her body. “I am a very tall, muscular woman, but I also feel so beautiful and feminine,” the Olympian told People.

With a unique twist on the legendary Dirty Dancing routine, Maher has now redefined that muscularity has nothing to do with femininity. For the US team rugby icon, the DWTS platform is just another way to show other women what is possible.

Ilona Maher has made it her mission to inspire

The Rugby Sevens athlete’s personality and confidence have allowed her to be proud of her body. However, Maher is very aware that reality is different and many women think differently. Therefore, the US national rugby team player has used every opportunity to promote body positivity and awareness of women in sport.

Ilona Maher confessed to People that she grew up in a comfortable environment, but now she wants to help other girls feel comfortable in their bodies. “I want to make it easier for young girls to love their bodies,” Maher told People magazine: As an Olympian, the 28-year-old is aware that the choice of sport has a visible impact on one’s appearance.

Although Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky were pioneers, they had very different bodies. However, Maher doesn’t want the next Simone Biles to lose her potential due to body image issues. After winning bronze in Paris and gaining new popularity, Ilona Maher hopes she can help as many girls and women as possible.

So it’s safe to say that the Quinnipiac University graduate is a trailblazer in her own right. Although the rugby icon had a slow start to her DWTS campaign, the Olympian’s future on the show looks more promising than ever after tonight’s performance.