Women’s Rugby Olympian Ilona Maher’s message to young girls

Women's Rugby Olympian Ilona Maher speaks with CNN's Coy Wire from Paris, sharing an inspiring message for young girls.

[ashleylastova]

IIona, you are such a great role model. I played rugby in college, and you are so talented and fun to watch. Now, I am a homeschooling mom of 4 kids, and my 2 girls - 9 and 10, think you are the best. Thank you for your strength, on and off the field.

[thunderstorm]

I loooove her!! This is the message young girls should hear instead of watching starved models and BBL instagram girls. Peak health and strength, pushing her body’s boundaries and proudly occupying her space!

[michaleenyproductions]

I never followed women’s rugby and had never heard of her. But after watching some of those games in Paris, she is a heck of an athlete.! she certainly expresses herself on the rugby pitch.

[pazabaza]

As a kiwi, I’m so proud to see women carving it up on the field. She is a machine 👌

[laman]

Go Girl. Just be yourself. Congrats with the medal and thank you for the message to the youth of the future.

[mrsweettater]

Ilona is phenominal human being! A beautiful, strong, example of how to be human.

[vikingmama]

I can't wait to show your videos to my teenaged son. You are actually just the kind of woman that gives him butterflies! 🥰

[donnarepekta]

I am so amazed at her strength, poise and seems like she has a good sense of humor. What a role model for girls/women all over the world! ❤

[tnana]

She is such a wonderful role model! Keep being you !!

[bebef]

Finally CNN is getting it right.
She is an amazing woman in a womens

[metalpractor]

She is awesome. Way to go team USA. We have your beautiful back Ilona

[suzannerhinehart]

What a blessing you have been to follow! Bronze medal win will go down in history. I have watched it 5 times and wow!

[bngr_bngr]

These ladies are beast. We need more strong women in sports. Rugby is a sport we need in our high schools.

[JeffreyMaher-pn]

She is so amazing ❤ and my last name is Maher too and I support IIona Maher !!!! I love her and I miss her her real fans !!!! Go USA rugby 🏉!!!! #2 !!!!

[amrak-]

Meanness and bullying have no place in our society. God bless her.🙏

[Investigación-ms]

Cool message. You guys did a great job interviewing her.

[Justin]

She’s an Olympic medalist, holds two degrees (including a masters), has 2 million social media followers, and is a beautiful millionaire in her 20’s.

I’d like to know more about the people bashing her or calling her manly. How many degrees and Olympic medals do you have again?

[ArizonaSquatch]

My wife follows her on insta. Congrats for winning the first Rugby 7s medal in team USA history! 🤘🏼

[genelancto]

True American Hero for women's sports ❤

[sallymoen]

The level of fitness in the rugby players is top form!