Ilona Maher at the Gloucester-Hartpury v Bristol Bears - Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby Semi Final - Source: Getty

"I’ve cried almost every day this week": Ilona Maher makes an honest confession about her struggles

Modified Apr 19, 2025 08:36 GMT

Ilona Maher made an honest confession about undergoing some struggles after her appearance on the Dancing With the Stars Tour. The American athlete shared that she was feeling low and demotivated throughout the week; however, she did not let it affect her and sent a positive message to people undergoing similar struggles.

The Olympic medalist posted an emotional message on Instagram and explained her absence from social media over the past week. Maher expressed how she did not feel creative throughout the week; however, the words by Megan Thee Stallion motivated her.

Ilona Maher urged people undergoing similar struggles to reach out for help and speak with someone they trust. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of taking time off to reflect and rejuvenate before continuing with busy schedules.

"Been a little down this week. I haven’t really posted or felt creative. But in the wise words of Megan thee Stallion, “bad b**hes have bad days, too,” and I stand by that. I still feel off. I guess I just want to remind you all to reach out and talk to someone. It doesn’t make you weak. Look at me; I’ve cried almost every day this week and I’m still super strong. Take care and be kind to yourself," she wrote.

Ilona Maher opens up about being authentic to her fans

Maher at Harlequins v Bristol Bears - Premiership Women's Rugby - Source: Getty

Ilona Maher garnered a worldwide fan following due to her victorious pursuits at the Paris Olympics and massive social media presence. After the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, she spoke to CNN about being authentic to her fans after achieving glory on the field.

Maher wanted her fans to know that she faced similar struggles that they go through in their day-to-day lives. However, she expressed that it was important to have a positive attitude and be open to constant learning.

“Hopefully, what my fans see is also a person who’s not perfect, who shows every side of themselves … it’s a constant battle of learning to love and appreciate your body. It’s never going to be, ‘I got it. I figured it out, " she said.

In addition, Maher revealed how her teammates have played an integral role in helping her to become self-confident while she was struggling with body image issues.

“That was what really helped me. And then my teammates — being around other women like that who are so confident kind of feeds into your confidence … It comes from inside,” she added.

Furthermore, Ilona Maher urged her fans to be undeterred by external factors and believe in themselves as they continued to chase their goals.

About the author

Adityan is a journalist and Content Manager for US Olympics Sports at Sportskeeda. He is a professional track & field athlete who competes in the 400m and 800m. This decade-long experience has taught him a lot about sports psychology, mindset, and passion, which he incorporates through his work to get the best outcome.

To make sure the content he delivers is genuine, Adityan keeps a tab on the official websites and the official social media channels of athletes and organizations. Before putting any information out in the public domain, he looks at the content from a fan’s perspective to connect with the readers as much as possible.

With a knack for crafting compelling narratives and insightful analysis, Adityan seamlessly blends his expertise in sports with his talent for storytelling, captivating readers and enthusiasts alike.

He has followed Usain Bolt's career very closely, and for him, the Jamaican defending his 100m gold in Rio is the greatest Olympic achievement of all time. Adityan indulges in traveling, trekking, off-roading, and hiking when not occupied with work.

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