Ilona Maher shines on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

Speaking to the publication, Maher addressed the demeaning comments about her body, most of which come from body-shaming cisgender men and “transvestites” who feel threatened by the fact that a woman could be so powerful.

She said, “I was always, you know, called ‘manly’ or something like that. But I never felt that way. But I don’t think you’re going to bully the girl who you could probably beat up in a rage.

“I think it’s great that (rugby) showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is and that it’s not just a tool to look at and objectify,” Maher said.

She continued, “If my cellulite was lower than that perfect range, I wouldn’t be doing what I can do. I wouldn’t be as strong for it (so) I just really think that working out has been so helpful.”