DWTS Star Ilona Maher’s Powerful Post Leaves Fans Applauding
“Dancing With the Stars” runner-up and Olympian Ilona Maher is getting major love online after opening up about body image. Her candid post was about not having a six-pack and why that doesn’t define her fitness or worth. This message struck a powerful chord with fans, who couldn’t stop praising her for keeping it real.
‘Normal & Healthy Stomach’
In the Instagram post, which Maher is posing while wearing workout gear, she wrote, “Posing with my completely normal and healthy stomach like those people with six-packs do.” The video includes a clip of Madonna’s song “Vogue.”
Maher can be seen with her stomach showing. She goes on to show off some different angles, all while some free weights can be seen in the background.
In the post, Ilona wrote, “I’m not saying six-packs are bad but I do firmly believe that we aren’t all meant to have them and they are not a determinant of how fit or athletic you are.”
Of course, “Dancing With the Stars” fans fell in love with Maher while she was partnered with Alan Bersten during season 33. She has also been to the Olympics twice, playing rugby. Maher states she’s been a professional athlete for the past seven years. Despite all of that, she says she’s never had a six-pack.
The “Dancing With the Stars” finalist wrote that she used to compare herself to her teammates that did have six-pack abs. However, she came to find out that she was often “faster, stronger, and fitter than some of them.”
She went on to say, “I learned my body and mind need to be properly fueled and that looks different for me.”
She finished her message, writing, “Be kind to your body. We aren’t all meant to be small. Take up space. See exactly what your body is capable of with or without a six-pack.”
Fans Flooded Her Message With Love
So many “Dancing With the Stars” fans of Ilona have stated how much they love her and love seeing someone like them on television and online. She is a positive influence for so many young girls, and the fans were showing her love with this post, which currently has over 500K likes on Instagram.
One person wrote, “Thank you! I feel seen by seeing you! You’re strong and beautiful!” Another person joked, “Wait, I have the same stomach as an Olympic athlete? 😂”
She is healing people, as one user wrote, “I just want to say on behalf of all us women we really needed you to come into our lives and the world is so lucky to have you.” Another person added, “Every single post you make heals me just so you know.”
The love continued, as one person commented, “Honestly, your presence on here has changed the way I love and treat my body. Thank you! 🥹” And this fan wrote, “I needed a role model like you so badly when I was growing up, but I’m so glad I have you now 🫶🏻 you’re an inspiration!”
Juliana Pasquarosa Dishes on Her Love Life and Reveals She’s Been Dating Someone
Bachelor Nation fans got to know Juliana Pasquarosa on Season 29 of “The Bachelor,” where she fell in love and got engaged to Grant Ellis.
A few months ago, the two both took to their Instagram pages to confirm they have unfortunately ended their engagement and broken up.
Since then, Juliana has been keeping fans updated with her life on social media and recently shared that she started dating again.
Earlier this month, Juliana went on a blind first date arranged by an online dating account called “Stoop Dating.” And now, the Bachelor Nation star is dishing on her love life in a brand-new update.
She shared, “We did go to the north end after the stoop for a real date, I guess. I think the thing that popped out at me most was how much he talked about his family. Obviously, I love my family and I think it’s important for somebody to understand the value of family. And it seemed like he did! We covered a lot in the stoop date, which I think was very nice because it wasn’t like we had to go through all the basics.”
Juliana went on and shared more about what happened after their date when she went home.
“He texted me like a true gentleman. Is the bar that low ladies,” she joked, “We actually made plans before he dropped me off to go to the Patriots game that following Sunday… I did end up going and it was very, very, very fun. And his friends were amazing!”
Juliana continued, spilling, “We left a little bit early just to try to beat some traffic. We were craving some sushi, so we got some sushi and then ended up hanging out at his friend’s apartment and looking at his friend’s wedding photos. So that was super cute to kind of get a glimpse into the whole dynamic of friends. That was a week ago from this past Sunday. We were going to hangout again last week. I, just with my schedule, was a little overwhelmed and he was like, ‘That’s okay.’ And so, we are going to dinner tonight!”
Juliana ended her update with where their relationship stands and revealed, “Last thing is that the date went well, obviously. I think I started with that, but we're having fun. Honestly, kind of going with the flow a little bit.”
We couldn’t be happier for Juliana, and we’re wishing her all the best as she navigates this next chapter. We can’t wait to hear more about this blossoming relationship!
