“I was always, you know, called manly or something.” Ilona Maher told Sports Illustrated. The Paris Olympic medalist who graced the magazine’s cover has once again stunned the internet. This time, it was thanks to her powerful performance on Dancing With the Stars. The first thing viewers noticed was Maher’s decision not to wear heels with her dress.

Maher and her DWTS partner Alan Bersten took the stage to perform Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes’ iconic 1987 song I’ve had the time of my life. Yes, you guessed it right, it’s the one that became even more famous thanks to Dirty Dancing. You may also know Patrick Swayze’s Johnny lifting in the movie Jennifer Grey’s Baby. But it was here that the public found out why Maher chose not to wear heels.

While Team USA’s Rugby Sevens star played ‘Baby’ to Bersten’s ‘Johnny’ On the DWTS stage, the Olympian flipped the script. The professional dancer and mentor lifted Maher off her feet during the performance. The 28-year-old added her own twist, however, when she lifted her partner in the air and spun her not once, but twice. When the athlete was trolled for being muscular, she blew the crowd away.

Maher’s mix of beauty and strength has always been criticized online. The Paris Olympics bronze medalist made waves when she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in August. While many praised her confidence, many criticized her for not conforming to traditional beauty standards. Ilona Maher’s strength, however, isn’t skin deep.

Despite the voices trying to undermine the most followed rugby player in the US, she persevered. The 28-year-old blocked out the blind criticism and embraced how her sport has shaped her physique. “I am a very big, muscular woman, but I also feel so beautiful and feminine,” the Olympian told People.

With a unique twist on the iconic Dirty Dancing routine, Maher has redefined that muscularity has nothing to do with femininity. For the Team USA rugby icon, the DWTS platform is just another way to show other women what’s possible.

Ilona Maher’s mission is to inspire

The rugby seven athlete’s personality and confidence have allowed her to be proud of her body. However, Maher is well aware that the reality is different and that many women feel differently. That’s why the US national rugby team member has taken every opportunity to advocate for body positivity and awareness of women in sports.

Ilona Maher opened up to People about her comfortable upbringing. Now, she hopes other girls can feel comfortable in their bodies. “I want to make it easier for young girls to love their bodies now,” Maher told People magazine. As an Olympian, the 28-year-old knows that no matter what sport you choose, it has a visible effect on your appearance.

Despite being pioneers, Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky had very different bodies. However, Maher doesn’t want the next Simone Biles to undermine her potential because of body image issues. After winning bronze in Paris and gaining newfound fame, Ilona Maher hopes to help as many girls and women as possible.

It’s safe to say that the Quinnipiac University alum is a trailblazer in her own right. While the rugby icon got off to a slow start in her DWTS campaign, the Olympian’s future on the show looks brighter than ever after tonight’s performance.