Rugby Star Ilona Maher Smashes Stereotypes and Lifts Her Partner on Dancing With The Stars
Yesterday at 03:32 PM
Over on the US version of Strictly Come Dancing – yes, they call it Dancing With The Stars – American rugby powerhouse Ilona Maher stunned the audience with a jaw-dropping performance.
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Channeling Luisa from Encanto, Maher not only brought the house down with her moves but casually lifted her dance partner onto her shoulder. Yep, you read that right – like she was picking up a bag of peanuts.
The internet was all in for the representation of real strength on a mainstream stage, especially seeing a female athlete showing off her power without a hint of apology. Social media flooded with praise, admiring her strength, skill, and confidence. But of course, every party has its uninvited guests, and in this case, two trends stood out:
First, a handful of men decided to (falsely) question Maher's gender, as if powerful women simply couldn't exist in their world view. Classy, right? Second, those making these ridiculous comments seemed to be missing one thing: any muscle of their own. Strange, considering their logic implies they, as men, should be making Maher look like a featherweight next to their own "hulking" physiques.
It's a curious phenomenon – and while it's laughable, it's also another reminder of how far we still have to go when it comes to celebrating strength in all forms. But hey, as Maher showed us, strength speaks for itself.
The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here's a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed "The Fridge" due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he's made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall's wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.
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