The Comment Section with Drew Afualo - A MEDAL AND A MAN Ft. Ilona Maher

Episode Date: July 3, 2024

This week, Drew welcomes Team USA Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher to the show! Ilona and Drew talk about what goes on in Olympic Village, random men on the Internet who think they can "1 v 1" female athletes, the absurdity of water polo, why the Afualo family isn't allowed to go-kart together anymore, and so much more! Drew: linktr.ee/drewafualo Ilona: IG / TikTok For sponsorships/partnerships, email [e-mail]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Typically when I put names into stuff, my boyfriend does it or my sister or someone else, they said it was going to be like a four-hour wait. I was like, damn, all right, we probably have to go somewhere else. Girl, I got to that front of that line in 10 minutes. And then that girl was like, oh, I can see you guys now. She goes, I'm a really big fan. I was like, I know that's fucking right, girl. It's important to stay humble.

Yeah. But it's also important sometimes to use it for the greater good of yourself. Hey, you know what? I get death threats. The least I can get is cut the line at the Caesar's Palis buffet. Everyone and welcome back to another episode of the comment section show starring me, your favorite. Everybody knows me. Who cares about me?

On to the guest. Today we have the iconic, the legendary, the athletic as hell, Alona Marr. Yay! Welcome to the show. Thank you so much. I'm so happy to have you. I'm so excited to be here. Me too.

I'm happy to have you. You know what? I am trying to make an omission this summer to have more female athletes on my show. As you should, because they're really killing it right now. Yeah, especially now. Basketball players. You and I have been mutuals for a minute. Mutuals for a minute.

Yeah. I think we've connected over some things online. Yeah, awful men. That's what it was. Love them. I was like, what was it? It was men. I love them.

We'll get into that. Yeah, I imagine. But no, we've been mutuals for a minute. I think we have some of the same. Cross over. Some viewpoints crossover. So it'll be interesting. Yeah, Elona is a very successful Olympian.

Yeah, I'm pretty chill about it. As you know. Yeah, you're a real cash. I know. Before we started, I asked the one, What are you been doing? She goes, oh, I just went to play in a tournament. I was like, oh, cool, where? She goes, just Barcelona. Oh, Madrid.

Oh, Madrid. Sorry. Yeah, Madrid. Not Barcelona. My bad. I didn't do Barcelona. No, yeah, it's so crazy because, like, I spend my days around Olympians, so it just doesn't seem like a crazy thing. But I will say I use that title to get me things. I would hope so. Like, you might as well.

You earned it. People love it when they learn you're an Olympian. They think it's the coolest thing in the world. It is. See, that's like I'm around Olympians. That's a normal thing for me. Yeah, that's true. I feel like Olympian, like being an Olympian is such a small subset.

It is. It's like almost like a Greek god to people. I would say. The Olympics are like one of the few things that maybe go like, rah, America. Oh, for sure. And that's like one of my sticks too. Like when I'm at the Olympics, I'm like so proud to be an American, you know, like, every other day all the way.

But then once you're there, you're like, we are it. We are better at sports than everybody. But what's crazy about America too is we're so focused on the Olympics. Like for us, it's get a medal at the Olympics or you suck. It's like, you didn't get a gold. Oh. Ooh. Yeah.

Bummer. But that's just our culture of just. I think so too. Well, and a lot of plays rugby. Rugby, which we did not mention. And that is badass in it of itself. Thank you. Olympics or no Olympics.

Thank you so much. I'd love to know your lawyer, your Genesis. How long have you been playing rugby? How did you get started? Yeah. So rugby's one of those where it's kind of a niche sport. But I was always an athlete. I would play like, feel like you basketball, softball.

Then decided to try out rugby, senior of high school. Oh, nice. Um, and I kind of say it just fit my body like a glove. I tried it out and just immediately, it worked for me. And I think I was always, I've always played these sports where you were kind of told to tone it down or pulled back and feel like yet my coach was told a story of me like trying to run through girls to get to the ball. And so to find rugby a sport like that that actually, like praised my, my body, my size and to find a community of people who really loved it. I mean, it was just, it changed my life and it changed me for the better. And I've been playing now for 10 years rugby, but I've been playing on the USA

team for six years. Look at you, bitch. Did you go to college to play? I did. I went to Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. Nice. And did nursing there as well. Because I wasn't no one, I don't think many female athletes ever think like, oh yeah, I'm going to make a career out of sports. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're not like an NFL player. Never encouraged nearly as much as it is no. Yeah. And it's not like you're going to go to the NFL and retire with millions. So you just have to almost think of a backup plan. So I went wanting to be a doctor, be a nurse. And then it just worked out that rugby clicked and it kept working and I kept, you know, striving. Are you glad to not be in nursing now.

Very glad. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It worked out really well. But I still love that I did it. And I think it was like, well, being a nurse is different kind of hard. Different kind of hard. You're doing two very nearly impossible things at the same time. Yes, I'm so happy. I found, like, have you heard of like the butterfly effect thing?

Yeah, yeah. It just feels like my butterfly effect of like just making one change to try it rugby and then my whole life is different and I'm on this show, you know? Yeah, totally. Look at you. Look at me now. I really made it. Yeah, when I was a kid, I,

I grew up playing sports too. I played soccer my whole life, which looking at me, they're like, really? Because they're like basketball, volleyball, right? Yeah. Actually, I'm really bad at basketball. Volleyball I did love, but I didn't play until high school. So I played soccer. I was like on a real path.

But then I tore everything in my left knee, my freshman year of high school. And that was my butterfly effect. Because like when that happened, I was like, damn, I don't think I could play this forever. I should start developing other skills. Yeah. Because I already liked school. So I was like, what am I going to do? Because I'm a Virgo.

What's your sign? Leo. And I think I am a classic Leo is what I've been told. What month? August. Okay. August 12th. Okay.

Okay. Okay. I don't know what it means. I know a couple. Do you know your big three? I don't know that. I just know like the one thing about Leo. Me getting nosy immediately.

We'll talk about that. Okay. When I tore everything in my knee and I started like thinking, what am I going to do after school? I decided to do like journalism, like sports broadcasting, got fired from the NFL. And now I annoy men for a living. So look at that. Butterfly effects, it's beautiful.

Now we're here to that. I love that. That's crazy. All roads lead to the same end point. Now I wonder like how did you get your personality? Like as a good thing, you know? And because that's my thing too is I have such a personality. Yeah, totally.

Like for me I like to say and probably for you, but like I grew up kind of the bigger girl. Oh, totally. I was out with the sports girl. So you almost had to develop something else. And so I'd have developed like a sense of humor and that was like how I became this. So people are just like, Always question how I am like this on TikTok. This is just me.

Yeah, totally. It's a very interesting, like, comment to get, because I know, like, exactly what you're talking about when they're like, oh, like, how did you churn out this way? I honestly don't know. I don't know. God, I guess, the universe, whatever you believe in. Yeah.

No, I've been a mean bitch for a long time. For a very long time. Yeah, yeah. Very bad mood. But I have been large and in charge for that, too. I was like, I hit a growth spurt. Well, I was always big. Like, I was a big-ass baby, too.

Yeah. Do you know, like, however you were when you were born? I don't. I think eight, something. Yeah, I was nine pounds, 12 ounces. I was a big-ass baby. So, like, and I had a big ass head. And then I remember I...

Good luck to your mom. Yeah, for real. Thank you for doing that. I know, because my mom is so teeny tiny. And my dad's six, six. So my dad's a big food. Yeah, my dad's a big man. So it's funny because my sister was the only one who came out normal size.

Like, she was like seven pounds or like eight pounds or something. And then I was nine. 12 and then my brother was 10 12. Oh my goodness. So we just got bigger and bigger and bigger. Oh my goodness. And my sister's the shortest out of the three of us. So I guess that pans out. But your sisters are tall too. So I'm actually the shortest out of my sisters.

I'll tell you. I'm 5.9 and 3 quarters. If you round up, it's 5.10. But they're like 511 or something like that. And I actually do think I loved coffee from an early age. You know that myth that coffee makes you shorter? Yeah. Yeah. I was drinking coffee really young. Really?

I loved well with cream sugar. So I was like, was it coffee? Yeah. It was a milkshake. just milk with the whole lot of coffee. Yeah, but I, so I think that genuinely coffee might have made me short. You think?

But I'm really athletic, I guess. It worked out. But they're athletic too. They're athletic too. Girl, but I'm also the athlete. But I'm like better at, no,

they're actually super athletic. I'm the only one of us who tried out rugby. Okay. And because they, they did like softball and shop, whatever. And I was the one who, like, Olivia was done softball and we used to do it together.

Did you do shopper? No. Y'all did shopper? My youngest did shopper. I did shopper. I did shopper with my sister. Yeah. My sister played rugby too, which you already know.

Yeah. But we did shot put my sister senior year, my junior year because my mom was always like, you need to be in a sport every season. Oh, that's our family. Yeah. So we did volleyball. Then we did soccer. And then she was like, you need something in the spring.

So we did track. And then I was like, well, I'm not fucking running because I run all the time playing my other sport. So then we joined throwing. So we did shot put in discus. And we both made varsity. Don't know how. Yeah.

I mean, there wasn't many of us. Yeah, yeah. many women that would try out. They're like the big girls put her out there. And then our coach used to, he literally would separate us because we were both on varsity and we'd both like obviously stand together and, you know, do bits the whole practice.

Yeah. Me just workshopping a tight five. Yeah. And then he's like one time he was literally like, the two of you are being separated. I need to separate the giggle twins. That's what he called us. And turns out you were right.

Yeah. Look at the giggle twins now. Yeah. And look at us now, Mr. Tucker. That was his name. Sorry, Coach Tucker. Sorry if you ever see this, my bad. Yeah, we love you.

I didn't love shop put though. I wasn't a little fan. You know what my younger sister is like so she just does whatever she wants? Olivia and I were like, whatever you want, dad. Like, should we play softball? Okay, you want us to go to softball pitching clinics on a Sunday morning? Of course. Whereas John is like, that doesn't sound like for me.

I don't want to go to a pitching clinic. My journey personally. I'm going to do this instead. And I'm like, John also was like the only one of us who would like drink in high school. Like, I don't think people realize Olivia and I were socially awkward. Oh, gotcha. We grew up, I graduated in a class of nine from middle school. Really?

Nine people. Nine Catholic school. Where'd you go? Rillington, Vermont. Not much going on. Okay. Nine people. They were all my brothers and sisters, so I was like socially awkward. Oh, okay.

But Ajauna was the cool one. Like, she would drink with her friends. I think she wants to fill a vodka bottle with, like, some water or something. I don't know if she's okay with sharing that story. That's youngest sibling shit because my little brother gets away with everything, too. They're just so cool. Yeah. How do they do it? Me and my sister were not like that.

We were very much like soldiers like following orders. You know what I mean? Oh, for sure. Yeah, we were very like, anything you need. Anything you need it. No, that's us. Not the youngest. They do what they want.

It's impressive. It's impressive. Yeah, I, when I was in high school and we were throwing and stuff, I remember like we used to dick around all the time and our coach used to be like, you know, if you just take it a little bit serious. Like my sister got a scholarship to like a D3 school, I think. because she only threw for like four months and they were like, we need her on the team because she,

I think she set a record in our high school. And I think it's so there to this day. I'm actually on that list too, by the way. If anyone wants to look it up, don't. It's embarrassing. Yeah. But my sister got a scholarship offer and she was like, nah, because she already got into the University of Oregon and that's where she started

playing rugby. I know. I heard that. And she encouraged me. She was like, you should try it too. And I was like, nah. Yeah. She was like, why I was like, I hate,

I physically, like, or me personally, I hate being touched by like anybody really, outside of, like, especially strangers. Yeah. So I was like, there's a lot of touching in rugby. A lot of touching in your rugby. You're close. You're right in each other's faces. How was it when you were learning how to play rugby?

Well, like, difficult compared to the other sports you played. I don't, I don't think so. I've always had like a mind of an athlete, I guess. I could always pick up and probably you like, you could go to a sports, be like, okay, I kind of understand the little bits how it gets it. Yeah. Like, because you have the athletic. Yeah.

You understand like field awareness. And even when I play sports now, I just don't understand people who don't get sports. Like even playing what's a spike ball? I'm like, this is your first time? You know, it's just, I don't get it. That's me my sister when we play volleyball. Yeah. I try not to take it too seriously.

Oh, yeah. But then if you start doing bad, I'm like, okay, why don't you sit down and you watch us play? I genuinely like cannot do things that are competitive. I have to chill out. I'm like, well, what do we play volleyball with like just narps? You know, I'm like to chill out. We're just having fun here. And I can't care.

I even sometimes just don't play. That's so funny. That's my mom and my boyfriend too is actually, because my boyfriend played football for a really long time. Yeah. Play college football. And he's very competitive too. So there are certain things like they're not allowed, like you're not allowed to play because you take it too seriously. Yeah, yeah.

Like dodge ball is one that he's banned from. Oh, man. You're not allowed to play dodge ball. Sometimes one time someone asked me in a Q&A on Instagram, they were like, if you had to play dodgeball against men like who would you want to add on your team like who would you want on your team i said just billy by himself i wouldn't even play i just sit on the sideline and watch him he the way his prey drive gets activated during dodgeball i don't know what the fuck that is is he playing dodgeball a lot still where's he doing this no it's just like it's the it's the

it's literally just the opportunity to throw him in men's league it's like to throw a projectile at someone is like his favorite thing in the world hey i don't get it we all got to get our anger on yeah whatever you want to call it's just like pure joy which is honestly kind of scary isn't it he just enjoys doing we all have our our ways respect to him but i think that's i think that's cool that you're honest about you're all maybe i shouldn't participate well it's like first off you're in such a competitive environment in your sport yeah you just don't want to bring into other things you do and we'll do like trivia nights on our team and i just this growing need to win the the teammates and i just i step back i start dancing in the corner i can't you just

remove yourself oh some everybody's yelling at everybody And I'm like, these game rights are for connection. I don't feel connected to these bitches. I hate them. I'm actually angry. I hate them. Why are you yelling so much? Okay?

Like, it's just, I get so angry. So now I've had to actually, I'm, it's a genuine problem with my team with game nights. I can't do game nights or I just, I have to sit in the corner. I have to just be the helper now. Because I just can't put up with it. Yeah, you're like the cashier and monopoly. I just, I really am. You don't let you play.

No, I just helping. I go there when we're doing like, Sabvern Johnson. I'm like, you did it. Next task. You're like the. narrator and all the games. Well, that's good that you know. I do.

Yeah. My mom is so competitive, too. Like, my mom almost killed me once when we were go-cording. So we're not allowed to go-kart as a family anymore. Smart. Because my mom literally almost killed me, like, on purpose. And then she tells me now, like, to this day, like, even now, she's like, it was an accident. It wasn't.

Right, mom. It's because of that nine pounds, huh? Yeah, it's literally, it's literally, again, pray drive. Like, she just can't. She just can't. Like, she can't help it. And even sometimes my mom will be like, I can't play that because. I'll get a little too.

You got to know. You got to know for your own like mental. I know. You got to like be honest with yourself. Yeah. I don't know. I think maybe I think you're right though about you continuously being an athlete like as a career.

I'm sure that just fosters it because I stopped being an athlete a long time ago. So I was able to put it down. Yep. But even then like it still flares up in me sometimes. And some people who don't, because I have the outlet. Some people who don't have that outlet. Yeah. When they're playing their adult leagues, they're going crazy with kickball because they need it.

They need something. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. They do like kickball. what do they do? Softball. Softball.

When I first started dating my boyfriend, he was in an adult softball league. For what? And you were like, that's him. That's what I was like, for what? He's lobbing these balls. He's like, you can come and watch me play. And I was like, could I?

Do I have to? God, that's all right. I'm just enjoyed doing it because he plays with it. No, yeah. I think, I truly think, and I'm trying to get my sister's into it. Like, you guys should try one of those adult leagues. You can meet people. They love, they love hanging out.

What about a run club? Olivia's like, I got to train for that. Oh, run club? Do you like running? I don't like running. Me either. But I've seen some run clubs have hot people. Okay.

T. And so I might try a rugby club just because of that. I did go to run club recently. I'm looking into it. And yeah, I went to one recently. And it's fun also talking about the Olympian title because you walk to a run club and you're like, you guys just,

you just here to run? I run too, but I ran at the Olympics. God, I was running so much in Tokyo. Speaking of Tokyo. Do you been there? I went, I went there.

Oh, has anyone here been to Tokyo? No. Oh. Oh. So I do, I think the only reason I would do the sports later on is maybe to pull out the Olympian title sometimes. I'm playing kickball like,

oh, guys, it's Olympian coming up. I'd wham it. Wham it? As if I was like a veteran. Oh, I used it so much. I'd come in my uniform to Dunk in and it'd be like,

oh, you'll give them free coffee, but not me, huh? Yeah. We're all serving the country. 100%. I was out, we went to Kabul after the last Olympics.

And we went to this bar. Have you ever been to Cabo? It's like a bar called Squid Row that everybody goes to. Oh, okay. But after the Tokyo, They had Olympic rings everywhere. And I was like, sir, I just went to the Olympics. Can I come in?

He couldn't care less. Like, sir, those rings there? I just did that. You still want me to pay 20 bucks? Yeah. This is CAVO! For an Olympian? Yeah, please.

So I still take it out wherever I can. Yeah, have to. Might as well. Doesn't get me a lot. Even sometimes like me being like a dickhead online, whenever I meet people that are fans of my content, I'm like, that's so great. How come nobody's ever fanz me when I want to like skip a line? you know what I mean skip a line get a free meal

never no one no one recognizes me I don't know if you figure this out but I really thought I would get like more like free dinners like like that was my goal like getting I'm not even famous but like slightly famous I was like hopefully these chefs want me to come to restaurants and try their food for free it's not working yet I think that would be like the epitome of fame is just like coming in they start bringing out food for you oh I don't want any other any other reason for fame but just like a free appetizer. Oh, you know what's so funny is that's when I feel the power of the platform too.

Oh, because I went to the, you know, I've ever been to the Caesar's Palace buffet in Vegas? No. Oh, girl. I went one, the first time I ever went, I was in Vegas for like work stuff and I went with my sister, my boyfriend and our cousin Adam. And we went super late and you're supposed to have a reservation for like fucking, I don't even know, like weeks in advance or something. And so I went and I put my, typically when I put names into. stuff. My boyfriend does it or my sister or someone else outside of me or I use my middle name or something. But I put my first and last name and my boyfriend's like, are you putting your name in there?

I was like, no, yeah, yeah, let me do it. And I was like, there's a lot of workers in there. Odds are one of those women is going to know me. And then they said it was going to be like a four hour wait. And I was like, damn, all right. We probably have to go somewhere else. Girl, I got to that front of that line in 10 minutes. And then that girl was like, oh, I can see you guys now. She goes, I'm a really big fan. I was like, I know that's fucking right, girl. It's important to stay humble. Yeah. But it's all. also important sometimes to use it for the greater good of yourself. Hey, you know what? I get death threats. The least I can get is cut the line at the Caesar's Palace buffet, all right? For sure. Let let me have

that one thing. Yeah. Jeez Louise. That's actually a really good point. That's what I'm saying. That's a small price to pay. Yeah. I'm getting bullied online constantly. I should get a free appetizer. No, for real. Let's get into it. You know, that reminds me. Some of your content I remember that was like taking off was when you, I think it was when you were at the Olympics in Tokyo when you were talking about the Olympic Village. Yeah. Living in the Olympic Village. And you were also talking about trying to find a boyfriend while you were there. So yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't stop that honestly. Um, but that's what I remember when your content was like really going everywhere. Well, I just, I almost feel like it was a business mindset. People love seeing single people do things.

And they loved the idea that these hot athletes are in the village and they're doing stuff. Just pent up with sexual frustration. And they're so much sexual. frustration and they're all hot and these cardboard beds and you can't do it on the beds. So I was like, there's something to be done here. So I just made some TikToks about it. And God, no one was like the thirsty Olympian. I was like, um, well, that's a mean nickname to give me. Okay.

I'll take it, but like, of all the names. It hurts. All right. I wanted to flirt with one Romanian volleyball player. Okay. But it was like just a tool to use like, it is true. You're in the Olympic Village. Yeah.

The hottest people are in the hottest fittest people in the world there. There's, of course, flirting going on. It was different in COVID. So I am excited to hopefully go to Paris and be actually get some. Well, 100% get some. No. But I guess they give out condoms. And that's the thing.

They didn't give it out in Tokyo. Why they teach you guys like you're in summer camp? It's like literally a big summer camp. It's a crazy time. Aren't we all adults? I think so. Do they hall monitor you guys? Do they like do bed checks?

No, they don't do that. But I don't think you're allowed to go into like USA. You can't go into like the other house. other countries houses yeah well that makes sense but i don't it wasn't a full olympics so i'm actually excited to just like get to meet these other olympians and experience full olympics because usually you get to stay in the village you get to meet people there's different like houses you can go to and party at but at the last so ago it was like all right you just lost your dreams are just crushed okay get out of here yeah have fun on depression someone else have fun on that coach flight back home yeah literally literally

literally it was very sad oh it was so sad so i'm hoping to actually get to experience an olympics That's cool. That's sick. Honestly, and you know what? I have one story with an Olympian and everyone on here is going to be like, you tell that story. I don't give a fuck. Alona hasn't heard it, so I'm going to tell Alana. Anyways, I met an Olympian once when I was in college at a bar and he was, and the only reason I knew he was in Olympia was because he told me. But it was like two guys and they were hitting on me and my friend. Which, of course, you're going, oh my God, that's so funny. I don't know how I love that joke. That's so funny, but I'm so thirsty. Oh, I can't listen if I don't have a drink. And so they bought me and my friend's drinks. And then we were drinking and they were telling you. me what they were there for they were like oh we're on vacation like before training for the olympics and i was like the olympics they're like oh yeah we're both swimmers like they were both swimmers like they were both swimmers one was from new zealand one was from australia and we were like

okay the tallest man i've ever seen in my fucking life the way they were built like the iron giant is crazy and they they're they're so like it's like a triangle and then their legs are skinny yeah a little spooky but i was listening obviously because of the free drinks and then he was like i was when he told us he was they were olympi i'm He was like, well, I've only meddled at bronze, but he's won like several golds. And I was like, okay. Yeah, yeah. Okay.

And they were like, no, it's true. And I was like, well, I could just say things too. I could also stand here and tell you I'm on an Olympian. I'm not. Yeah. And they were so upset that I was like not believing them that the guy Googled himself in the, in the club. Well, we were in there on Wikipedia and was showing me pictures of himself. Yeah.

And I was like, yeah, that's you all right. Well. And then you left. And then you never talk to them again. Yeah, no. And yeah, then I was like, well, I have to go to the bathroom. They never saw me again after that. Yeah.

But I hope you're doing well. Actually, I don't. He's a terrible person. But actually, I hope you're doing poorly right now. Yeah, yeah. But that is the thing then. Do you have the Olympic rings tattooed? I don't.

I just wear a little necklace here. Okay. The Olympics was a crazy time in that I lost the quarterfinals. Put it all on myself. Classic. Blame myself for it. And then there's something called like post-Olympic blues. Yeah.

Where Michael Phillips has a documentary about it, but you get very sad because it's like this one moment you've prepared for your whole life. And it's amazing, right? And then even if you don't meddle or if you do meddle, it like you come crashing down. It's like, all right, see ya. Maybe in four years you can get it. Do it again.

Yeah, maybe. Maybe. So it's a very stressful thing. And even now I'm so stressed out thinking about this Olympics coming up because we want a medal. We want a medal for our country, for our team. It would mean so much. So it's like, psyching yourself up to be heartbroken and to do that all over again and I don't want to do it again

but like have that that pure devastation that I felt but then also it's just that trade off of you know what you get to do yeah well it's just who you are you're an athlete and you're a rugby player so it's like it's part of your fiber at this point so it's like it's it's worth the it's worth it it's it's so hard but then you also become like such a I think better athlete better person because of it yeah I'm curious how your athletic career has like intersected with online because obviously you have a large online presence now too because of your content as being an athlete so like what was that like when you first started documenting your journey as an athlete yeah I think well as we're talking about I just

have maybe the personality for it and it just worked out for me in that way but I started before the Olympics and I remember I was just doing some videos in when we were in Spain for a tournament in a spania. And I was doing some videos in our hotel room, and I remember I was seeing the reaction to it, and people were getting really excited. And I had, like, got like 5,000 followers in a short amount of time. And then I was at that tournament,

and some guy came up to me and was like, oh, you're the TikTok girl. And that was when I was like, wow, that's really crazy, how powerful that is. Yeah, like how quickly it happens. How quickly it is and how it can spread like that. So I kept doing the TikToks. And then at the Olympics, I was really aware that people are made at the Olympics.

Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, like, they were made there. and that's not made but like that's where the world knew them yeah came to know them yeah and i knew wasn't going to mean the list you know i'm not the best right i'm a very good rugby player i'm not the best rugby player and it's a sport also that not many people are watching so i didn't knew that i was going to say i think you're being a little too harsh on yourself even now i'm i think it's just the popularity of the sport more than anything that's what i mean yeah for sure for sure um so i knew that but i knew that i had something that people didn't and i think you know you know you feel

as well like a personality and an ability to say what i'm feeling and not feel like cringe about it or awkward or judged for it. Totally. Yeah. So in the village, I was, you know, saying all these things and that's why I got the term as the third C Olympian because I was saying the stuff and your, I'm just saying. Regret. Everyone else is too scared to say. Yeah, I'm too scared, but I was like, nobody wants to say because they're Olympians, you know,

people hold us up on a platform thing. You're just the, we're, you know, indestructible and we have to say focus at the games, but you practice for, you know, three hours a day and then you have all this time in the Olympics. And for me, as a female athlete, I don't get paid a lot. So we always want sponsorships,

but you have to, I've learned now, you have to have something for these companies that is of value. Yeah, past just being a winner. Yes, and that's like really tough. And in a sport like rugby,

companies aren't like who, I play in, I play one stop in L.A., and that's it. Yeah. I'm in Dubai. And so it's like, do you want to be on my jersey in Singapore? And people in Singapore will buy your product.

Like, you had to have another way. So I just found that the TikTok and going, doing the TikToks has become, another job for me and it allows me to play rugby and focus on rugby because um and as female athletes a lot of us have second jobs and have to do more so it's been really cool and people always ask me oh do you know do you do you do you know do you want to not do it like tic talk or yeah like ticot social media well i would i love to just play rugby and then make millions 100% that'd be awesome you know

buy a house but it's just not a thing for female athletes so yeah at least not right now right now and not in rugby. So I have to do it. And I just think it's important. So I just, people are like, oh, does it take away from your rugby? Well,

maybe it takes away a little bit. I don't think it does. But I think it's just, I think it's just, it's another form of representation because, you know, women so often aren't revered in the world of sports the same way that men are.

And now this year has been like a renaissance because of the WNBA. But like past that, like, you know, like the U.S. women's soccer team has way more goals than the men's does and like no one gives a fuck like that's like it's it's one of those things where you having a

platform as it gives other women who want to be athletes too like the perspective because they're like okay I can be an athlete too yeah and also turn it into a career because being an athlete for anyone however you identify is not forever because your body is not going to carry you for that long so the important thing is to turn it into something else and you've already started doing that so if anything you're just better than everybody just kind of a mogul yeah there you go I guess like perfect I guess is the word I don't God, I don't know. Just a money making?

Like a business owner? I guess just like unstoppable? I don't know. Whatever words, that's your words, not mine. Whatever. But I think that's, I think it's a wonderful thing. I think women getting to see you not just like being an athlete, but being a professional athlete and performing at the highest level, which is the Olympics, is like a huge thing

for, for young girls who want to play, want to play sports. I want to play, want to play rugby specifically. That's a hard ass fucking sport. Hard sport. My body hurts. What's the hate been like when you first start, when did you first start noticing getting hate? And what did it look like?

You know, and I think it's like so, it's constant now, but it's just something I don't even seem to notice at times. Sometimes it'll spark up. Yeah. It never stops. I just get used to it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's almost like just a constant replay.

You start to realize it. But I think it was like a one comment here or there. And then you're, you just, okay, it's interesting. you can post another video another comment here. So of course, the hate that I get is being called a man, being called masculine, because, oh my gosh, because of how big I am, because of my size. And it's like, it could be the most random video of me, like, doing something, like, even wearing a dress, doing something so casual.

And they're like, is that a man? I'm like, come on. That's all your dad said, but it's just, that's what I made a joke about that. Because I, when I was first doing things, I, when I first, started I made a joke on TikTok because I was like all these like you know these young boys or these kids whoever it is are like was that a man I'm like your dad doesn't think so I can 100% think your dad does not think that they're like how much do you weigh and I'm like well I was real light when your dad picked me up yeah I'm throwing me all over the place girl shit ask him he knows

exactly and I made a TikTok about that because I just thought it was so crazy but I also know that it's just these people that are going it's like these kids going through their phone and they're like okay hold on okay she's like really muscular okay you look like a man sweet next one yeah it's literally so like you look this okay I'm like it just is the same stuff yeah it's boring new content it gets real it gets real it's I know sometimes people are like because when I was like fucking people up every goddamn day for like two years straight some people are like oh you don't do that as much anymore I'm like bitch I'm bored yeah first of all I'm busy but also I'm bored like it's the same shit like I'll keep doing

Yeah, I was like, there's only so many ways I can make fun of someone being bald. Like, I was like, at this point, at this point, when I do fuck men up, like, it's got to be a joke that I'm like, that is so funny. Yeah. Other than that, it's just the same shit. Like, they don't get any more creative. It's just fat, you're ugly. You're fat, you're ugly. You're fat, you're ugly.

And thousands of different variations. Like, that's just what they tell me over and over again. So I'm like, I'm bored. It's insane. And it's just, like, some videos, it just floods my comments. Yeah. And so when I was. first starting, I was, I do okay with it. And it's like crazy because I'll get, you know,

like 20,000 comments of girlies and other, even other men be like, you're so hot, you're beautiful, I love you. And then it's one dude from like, Idaho who's like, are you a dude? And I'm like, yeah, for real. Okay, he's got me. And I'm bawling my eyes out. But it's like, that sort of stuff. I think it's hard. And I'm coming to terms with it. And I'm getting so much better. And now it doesn't really affect me. Yeah. I think what affects me is like, they're doing it to me and I know they're doing it to other girls who don't have the following that I do it's like who have you know 12 likes and then some guy goes in their videos and says something like that and if you said that to

like young alone because I mean you probably did this growing up I always got it I always got these comments about my shoulders about how big I was in high school and it it did affect me yeah and it was like I remember like distinctly in gym class once or was like we were in the gym and some guy was like you're pretty masculine and I was like what because I didn't understand it because I never felt that way I felt very feminine. I felt very much in a different way. So that took me back. And so now it's like, please say it to me. Fine. Say it to me. But you're saying to the other girls who haven't gone to that level. That really pisses me off. Yeah, that's that's tea. Honestly, that's true. And I,

obviously, I was a big bitch too growing up. So I was like, I was like five, four when I was 10. So I was honestly ominously big. Like as a child, like, looking back, I'm like, I'd be a little afraid of me too. Like if I saw it, like, damn. Yeah. Shit. And then when I was going into eighth grade, I grew four inches. So I was five, eight when I was 13, 12, 13. So like I was, I was a big boy from a young age. And I hated being tall. I hated being tall like forever.

For so long, I hated it. I wished every day I would be smaller. I was like, I wish I was smaller. I wish I was shorter. I wish I was, you know what I mean? Like I used to think that all the time. And that was mostly because I was still unpacking my mail validation. So like, you know, my need for it and my internalized misogyny.

and I was unpacking it, so I was thinking, like, I have to be smaller. I have to be more feminine, whatever that looks like in order for men to like me. But my outward reaction was always violent. Like, I was always angry. Like, if men said mean shit to me, I was mean as fuck back. And then I would go home and I would be sad if I was sad about it. Because I was just so like, I was just a real swing first kind of girl. And so when men would be like, oh, you're a little masculine.

I'd be like, you goddamn right. I'm fucking masculine. And then I would be sad about it privately. that's just how I handled it good for you I don't think I would do that I don't think I was ever like that I wish I was I do I had a few times like men had told me like when I was in high school

they would say things like I would like you if you were shorter than me I'd like you if you were smaller than me and I'm like well I'm not and you're a bitch and then I'd be like yeah you fucking said I was too tall fuck you yeah yeah yeah now I love being tall I love it too it's a certain power I like have you ever been around people who are like taller than you not like women I'm like what are you doing up there

yeah it's very rare kind of my thing. Yeah, it's very rare. I'm like, damn, bitch, you're tall like me. I don't, I don't, I just feel like,

I get like this. I'm like, I see him like brother, you and me. I love it. I love walking into a bar, like I love wearing heels, walking in the bar,

like me able to see what's up. Yeah. Looking overhead. Totally. Yeah. Yeah. Assessing the room surveying. Yeah.

Yeah, that's my, that's my lot in life too. And my boyfriend now, he's way taller than me. So I'm, I'm six feet, my boyfriend's six four,

so look at so. Oh my God. So when we walk around, like, we're both very big people, too. So now I'm like, now I really love it. But at the time, I didn't like it at all when I was a kid. I really hated it, which is like natural, I feel like because especially when as women, too. Because we're always taught that like smaller and less in whatever that looks like, whether it's personality physically, financially, successfully.

Like, all of it needs to be less than men in order for us to be taken seriously by men, which makes no sense. Yeah. So I'm glad that you don't feel that way anymore. Well, it's, I mean, it's a constant journey, I think, too. And I have never, like, been in relationship or anything like that. I've never had a boyfriend. So it has been, like, my own, like, really personally trying to figure that out.

And I think rugby really helped me with that, too. Totally. It's, like, a weird transactional thing sometimes with these dudes. Like, and I just not into that. Yeah. And I'd rather have a conversation so you feel it out. But I remember this guy I didn't even talk to the whole night. It was like, all right, we going, you're going back to mine.

I'm like, what? To where? Do you even know my name? Yeah, to kill you. I'll kill you your own home. Yeah, exactly. I'm like, first off, safety, my guy. Second, I'm heading home.

Yeah. This past my bedtime. It's crazy. Yeah, it's very, when I was in college, because I wasn't playing sports, I was like a sports reporter for a while. I worked in sports media and everything the whole time I was in college. And I used to interview athletes a lot, and I would have to do, like, one-on-one interviews with them and stuff.

So I spent a lot of time in the, like, journalist area of that of interviewing athletes going to like post game pressers like all that stuff and so sometimes when I would like date athletes and if I would ask them a question like you said just standard small talk like where are you from right something really simple the way they would answer it like it was a fucking post game presser question yeah I'll freak out he's like well you you know just got to go back and check the tape and then we'll get better next game what the fuck are you talking about I asked you what your favorite color was what are you talking about why are you talking to me like we're on ESPN it's

crazy can you like make normal conversation or is this just kind of where it ends just it's just it's just that and i think with especially with sports and i've been like successful and what i say to other girls is what do women have that a lot of men don't have personality yeah and i think that's what like women athletes bring to the table a lot we're seeing with like angelries all these athletes the personality they have and what they bring is such so of value and yeah people really connect with it Absolutely. And I just want, whenever my teammates are like, and athletes in the space will always ask me what they can do to be better.

And they want to, because they want to do this, they want to get sponsorships and like, you just got to say stuff online. Yeah. You got to show your personality online. That's the only thing I know. Yeah.

What sets you apart? Yeah. Because obviously, if you're on a team with other people who have made it to that level, you're all like wonderful after. Yes. You're all in tip-top shape. You're all fantastic. Yeah.

But like what's something else you have that can set you apart from everyone? Especially, especially like you said in this industry now, where like professional male sports are like revered in a much different way than women are. So women constantly have to juggle so many things at the same time. So now that so many female athletes are also developing like careers like in entertainment, I think is fucking awesome. And you're one of them.

I think that's badass because then it's like you're doing two things that you love at the same time, but you can turn what you love, your passion, which is your sport into your actual career. You can like pivot so easily into that once you don't want to play anymore. And that's like the thought of making sports a career is something girls didn't think of. So that's why I'm thinking of it. And I have some teammates who are going to retire soon and they're just going to go into the workforce. Yeah.

It's like was it a fever dream? Yeah, totally. I was just traveling the world to go into Dubai and Cape Town and then you just kind of go back to normal life. So that's where I just, I, people always ask me, oh, you want to get back into nursing. And it's like, well, if I have to, yeah, I'll do it. But I would love to see what I can do with this and the sports and whatnot. Because there's so many different avenues now, especially when you, because entertainment and media is so. closely intertwined with sports now.

There's so many different ways you can go. Like men do it all the time. They pivot into commentary or they become sideline reporters or correspondence of some kind. Or they go and they like mentor or they do talks or they work with kids. Like there's a whole slew of options. I think people just don't know. That's why again,

your representation on social media is so important because women can see that there's a career even after sports like well after a fulfilling career. And I think too like this happened to like my dad. My dad went to the NFL. like obviously my boyfriend played forever like my whole family we've all been athletes so after you're done it's like there's like this like almost rebirth you go through where you're kind of like okay what the fuck do I do now like what do I do now like I don't know what to do and sometimes especially with men who dedicate all of this time or women who dedicate all this time and money to the sport and then you don't

do it anymore yeah it gets to a point where you're kind of like I don't even know like who I am without the sport I'm scared I don't know who I am mostly I'm scared though because I don't know how to eat without sports. And I see what, like, what, you don't have to eat as much when you're not running miles a day. Yeah. I eat, like, three eggs. Yeah.

My old sister, we'll eat one egg. I'm like, are you going to be okay the rest of the day? Do you have enough protein? That's not enough protein. There's like, seven grams of protein in that egg. She's like, chill. Yeah. No, you'll be fine.

You'll be fine. That was a new, that was an adaptive thing for me, though. It is. Yeah. Because you eat so different when you play all the fucking time. Well, this is actually a really good transition because we're going to go into our topic for today, right? Kind of, but not really.

Which is terrible men on the internet who think female professional athletes aren't feminine enough for them. And that's just basically men being threatened by strong women. Which, by the way, your comment about the shoulders, I've gotten that too. I don't know if this is controversial. I love big shoulders. I love a cut back bitch, like big traps. You know what I'm saying?

Like the rock and black Adam from behind, that's what I'm trying to look like. You know what I'm saying? Like his traps were so. big, bitch. In that suit, they're sticking out like he has a scoop neck on. I have some nice traps. I'll show you. I know. I've seen them. I've clocked them, bitch. That's what I'm saying. I'm a huge fan of traps on my. Are you kidding me? Like a cut. A cut back. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's the shit I'm in. Yeah. That's what I'm all about. I don't like I, and I feel like a lot of women, especially when it comes to any sort of fitness too, a lot of stuff is geared towards

women. It's all lower body stuff. It's all like, oh, big butt, like small to stomach okay cool if that's your vibes that's great i think that's great uh mine's i want in just i want to be muscle bob buff pants up top you know what i mean i want to be like so like like angela bassett in wakonda forever oh i know in the very beginning of wakonda forever when she walks into that u n meeting bitch the way she's like yeah and oiled up yeah yeah yeah that's the type of shit i'm trying to be on you know what i mean so i think that's a compliment when men tell me i have huge shoulders i'm like you god damn right i do bitch i've been working on that So, okay, so this first video I'm going to read, this says, this is a video that shows a clip from a rugby match featuring player Portia Woodman doing a run and pushing defenders off her with the caption, you do not want a 1V1 with this woman.

And then the comments are all from men, so they're not nice to say the least. This one says, a regular guy is enough to defeat this player, a regular guy. What does that mean? People always say that to me, too. I'll be like posting a video of me tackling or I posted a video of if a man hits me who you calling it I have all my teammates and everyone in the comments were like I could take them all on you could take on a full team of us rugby girls you think you think genuinely I'm coming at you from one and she's coming at you from the other I'm you know it's like that's just not even right girl are you out of your mind they have and it's Porsche Woodman who she plays for New Zealand iconic legendary best player Um, it's just not like, no. None, and I don't even think any of the guys in the seventh circuit would say that.

No. And you know what's funny is they would never say that in general because they recognize that she is also a very talented. Yeah. Like the, this fucking exhausting conversation that regular ass men who work at fucking AutoZone want to have and they're like, I could, if you gave me like a week, I could probably take her. Yeah. I could do it. One of one. One would you?

Caitlin Clark. I got it. Oh, don't piss me off. Don't make me. me fucking mad. That's why I was like, it's funny to me's men, we're like, well, who the fuck are you to say I couldn't? I'm just as qualified as you, bitch. Not at all. Not at all. And you don't see me saying that, do you? You don't see me going, yeah, just give me a second. I could take Caitlin Clark. I could take a loan end of a match. Are you out of your fucking mind?

I'm good. That's how overzealous confidence is really easy when you're like never going to be challenged. Yeah. I'm like, we could have this fake conversation all day long, but you're at home. Yeah. And she's at the Olympics. So what the fuck are we talking about? Two plus two plus four. No, for real. I'm like, okay, and apples are orange. Like, what the fuck are we even saying? None of it makes any sense. Like, that's what I was like, we're just sitting here writing fan fiction. Yeah.

They're like, well, if I was playing as you're not. It's the scenario in their head that puts them to sleep, you know? I know. That's the stories they tell themselves. I listen to their screams that puts me to sleep really easily. It's a one handoff. Does that now constitute greatness in women's rugby? I don't know what that means.

So it's like stiff arm. She's stiff on somebody. Oh, stiff arm, yeah. And it's like, yeah. Actually, if you see the way she stiff-armed people, it's actually really great. Yes. Thank you for asking my questions. Great comment.

Thank you. Also, I think stiff-arming is one of the most humiliating things to happen to anybody. Oh, for sure. That happens to me. I'll tell you what I do. I stand up. I walk off. I quit.

Oh, yeah. That's what I do personally. So when people get stiff on like in the face, too, like when they, when they like mush your face like that. There's a. I stiff-armed people a lot, and so I posted a picture, and they have a stiff-armed me in the face. I still tackled her, but she got to my face,

but they got the one shot of me getting stiff-in-a-in-face. She posted it. I was like, well, I mean, she didn't. She got me. So I posted another one, it's okay, whatever. I also did that. You know what, respect. Like, girl, you got it.

I was high on that, but it is a, it's like the one thing I can do. People like step, step, they're really fast. I just try to go through people. Period. I mean, why wouldn't you? With rugby, especially, that's, like, the whole point. Well, and because I'm 200 pounds, so, like, we don't plow on them over. Like, I'm the biggest girl out there.

Why am I going to go around you? That doesn't make sense. That's too much running. I'm just going to run through you. Mass or something like that is what they say. Yeah, dude, that's stiff arm shit. That would humble me quickly. Oh, it does.

Pack me up swiftly, bitch. Yeah. She mushes my face. Hey, got to rethink my career choice. Don't know if this is for me. See you guys. You take off your, your clean, and everything. Well, this has been great.

Thanks, guys. It's okay. I'll fly myself home. Don't worry about me. Can we have a sub? I actually think I got hurt. Actually, my stomach hurts. I have to go to the locker room.

Tears in my eyes. Yeah. I've never, has anything embarrassing ever happened to you when you were for? Sure. I can't think now, but like, recently I tackled another girl who's my size really well, and I've got, like, you know, comments on that. And I just knew when I tackled her after the game, I was like, sorry, dog. I know you're coming for me later.

Because we're so big, we don't get. tackled like that often. It was a straight up tackle where I took her down. Okay. And because you just don't usually get that happen to you, but she for some reason came into me and we're the same size and it just worked out that I, you're not going to bump me off so I tackled her. So I don't know that's coming for me. Please just be respectful afterwards. Help me up off the ground if you could. No hard feelings. No hard feelings. You know I know karma's coming. But rugby is one of those where it's like you don't have time to be embarrassed. You could get stiff armed. You get this. You just got to be like, okay, back up. The place.

especially with sevens too it's just so fast moving honestly i'm shot like that's what was shocking because my sister played rugby for a long time and i was like my sister was we joke all the time my sister was born nervous like she's just always like about everything but she thrived in rugby she thrived in rugby she loved it's not crazy yeah it's it's crazy how like it seems so opposite like you would think i would be super into rugby because i'm so fucking confrontational yeah but i was like nah i'm good well that's what special i do that all the time yeah what's what's about rugby is like the people who are joining rugby, you would not expect it. No, seriously.

In college, when I looked around, it's like the people who, you know, they want to go, they're studying. They're great students. And they've never played a sport in their life and they decided to play this tackle sports. Yeah, that's, yeah. What made you do? I love it. Like, thank you for coming out.

But what made you want to do that? Yeah. And some of my sisters, rugby friends, too, are like power lifters too. Oh, yeah. So they're strong as hell. You bitches are crazy. I think, mom, like, why do you want to do that? lift heavy shit like that or just and just play rugby it's like a lot it's very tough so many things

at once they're better than me that's why i think men who are like i could easily take stop right there how tall are you again yeah stop right there you wouldn't even qualify for the team yeah you'd be like one of those guys who gets discharged early because you have asthma you know what i mean one time i the one time i tried out for a water sport with my sister was for water polo yeah Hey, stupid. Hate that. Hate that sport. Learn pretty quickly.

I can only swim leisurely. But we literally to start before you even get to the water pole apart. They make you swim like I don't even know how many fucking laps. Yeah. It was like four. And up and down is one. An Olympic size swimming pool. Girl, and I'm so tall by the way.

I just started walking. And I was just moving my arms. And they were like, don't walk, don't walk. And then I was thinking to myself, they can't tell I'm walking as if I'm not standing. You're standing straight up. Your head just like above the water. Yeah. And then guess what they did?

Sent me home early. They said, hey, try and get next year, bitch. Yeah. No, and then I got really sick because I drank way too much pool water. So found out pretty quickly not the not the sport for me. Yeah, it's a hard sport. Me and days were like, what a stupid sport? I fucking hate that sport.

Fuck that fucking sport. It's not even why do they do that. It's because I'm typically good at every sport, but that one. Fuck that. Oh, man. Water, have you ever played water pole? I've, no, I couldn't. I don't.

You got to tread water? the whole time while being cold on that shit's and you and you get mushed your face gets mushed in that sport too no i'm not a big fan of sports where they scratch yeah they pull you down they'll like put their hand on top of your head and use you as a fucking leverage i can barely breathe in air you know like not in a pool they call it an egg beater when you're doing that little thing yeah yeah yeah above the i'm good no hey get out of my face i'm not doing that no fucking way okay this next uh video this says this video is from the account rugby pass it's a fan cam style edit of the australia rugby women's sevens team with the

caption taking sevens rugby by storm um and in the comments we're very angry about it this one says it's so painful to watch any women play sport play sport that's funny play sport okay sport girl girl play sport oh so painful i hate watching women who are better than me it's something i wish i could do you don't have to watch it don't watch it honestly when you're a hater everything's painful to watch. Ugh. Don't you think? They hate it.

I think if some... Yeah. Like when I'm a fucking... When I'm on some hater shit, everything bothers me. Yeah. I'm like, look at them just standing there. Being nice to me.

And I'm a hater. Worst. I'm like, I think most men, if they admitted they were haters, their life would probably be a lot easier. Mm-hmm. This one says, pretty sure no one watches

because of their abilities. So I... Okay, so he's saying they watch because women are hot, I'm assuming? First off, yeah, we are hot. Second. That's not what they say, is it, when they watch women dominate? No.

That's actually the opposite of what they say. Thank you. But it's like, and that's something that I'm really passionate about is like being able to bring that femininity into sports. And because these guys that just believe, oh, you're wearing makeup and play rugby, well, you can't, there's no way you're good at rugby. Actually, the best rugby players in the world has a full beat on. Yeah, girl, what the fuck?

And she's out there killing it. And there's like athletes like flojo. Yeah. I mean, like Shikari Richardson, who have nails, lashes, hair, like, all that full beat, fastest woman in the world. Yeah. Is foundation making you slower? Yeah.

It doesn't allow you to pass when you got mascara on. Girl, I know. That's why I was like, some men, when they make comments about, especially about makeup in, like, the gym, when they're playing sport. Like, what do you give a fuck? What do you care? Well, I will say, like, when I, you know, younger, I think, because it just of, like, how, you know, society, so whenever a girls were very full, I remember in college,

well, it was little crazy. she was wearing like full makeup and when you're in the scrum it kind of gets messed up so i was always like okay and she would wear like a it would be a white jersey so it would be like makeup everywhere so i was like she's so me she's so me coated yeah i'm like all right girlfriend like do it but i never really understood it but now i think i respect it and i love seeing girls like i wear lipstick when i play seeing girls put a full face on because it's like this idea that you've have to if you play sports you have to kind of sacrifice your femininity if just be you know masculine out there i'm like no you can be I can tackle her and also have a beautiful lip on.

And wear a fucking lily lash. A defined lip. Yeah. And I'll have Ardell Whispies glued to my fucking eyes. And what of it? What of it? I think that's even better. I think it's great too because even when men comment on makeup, I'm like,

some of you men need to learn how to use some makeup. Yeah. Maybe you should get into it, girl. It's okay. You can cover that. Yeah. Yeah. If you really wanted to, you could.

If you really wanted to, you could. If you really wanted to. Don't hate the player, hate the game. Okay, this last one says men's team, with braids. I'm assuming you saying they're all men. Yeah, classic. And they have braids.

Well, okay. That was a good one. That was funny. I giggled. That's why sometimes I think when they write that, I feel like I imagine them typing it out and being like, that's crazy. And what's so crazy is like, obviously not.

Big Dog, look at them. Didn't you just say that they're women so you don't respect them as athletes? What? You fucking man. Yeah. Which is it? Pick one. I'm getting the messaging is very.

we're getting mixed signals. Yeah. Because they're like, they only watch because women are hot. And then they're like, you're not hot, you're a man. But you need to store something else out. And yet you're still, and you have something you got to figure out. I'm like, and through all of that, you're still unemployed. So what are we doing here?

What exactly are we talking about? Who are you really mad at? It's tough. Tough for them. What would you say has been like the most rewarding thing from being able to platform your athletic career and also kind of spin it into a social career too? I think it's what. I've been able to do for like girls and their own body confidence, their own self-image,

because I would have loved to have somebody, I think, like this when I was growing up, somebody with this build with these shoulders and who still feels, you know, very feminine, wears a dress and doesn't feel like I have to hide my shoulders. Like recently I just had one of my teammates, she was like covering her shoulders and I was like, oh, you know, I just don't really like showing my shoulders. You have the most beautiful shoulders ever. They're so big. But it's still happening. And so for me, it's trying to show these girls that you can be all those things. And it's like, my thing is, is that this is not changing. These shoulders are not getting smaller.

This body's not getting any smaller. It's just I'm not going to change. And it's like, I think we're taught, oh, if you're skinnier, if you're this, you're that, it's going to be better for you. But you have to sometimes just accept it. Like, that's your body. That's what you're working with and know what it can do and what it's capable of. And hopefully just helping these girls.

to do that because rugby helped me. And so if like, I like to say it's like a confidence pyramid scheme. My teammate Naya was always very helpful with me. She's like a tall, bigger girl as well. And I just remember her really helping me with my confidence. And then I've trickled down to help two other people with their confidence. And hopefully two other people can, you know, so it's like this big thing I'm running. That's the MLM that you're running.

This big scheme I got going on. So that's, I think what's been, because I've gotten a lot of lovely messages from girls who are like, I see, you know, that's my body type to see what you're doing. I just need a lot. Yeah, absolutely. And I also think it's another testament to how Eurocentric beauty standards have been inflicted on all of us. And not everybody is supposed to look a certain way.

Oh, yeah. And what's beautiful to one person may not be beautiful to the next. So for any man to ever say that women are just inherently ugly because they don't look like one specific person is a fallacy. It's like it's fucking stupid, but past that it's just objectively not true. Yes. Because not everybody finds the same people attractive. So when they tried to impose these really harsh beauty standards on women, especially about their bodies,

it makes no fucking sense because, first of all, all of the men who do that shit are under six feet. They're not even doing the bare minimum of what they're supposed to look like, which is be taller than me. Yeah. And you're not. So like. And I will say with that too, I think sometimes, look, men are the worst. But there's, there are some men. We got to give credit.

I think we're just told that men only like this one thing. But, I mean, as you found, you have an amazing boyfriend who loves you as you are. There's men that are going to like you like that. And there's men that are attracted to that. Yeah. And this idea that, oh, no, men only like the skinny. Exactly. I'm like, in my experience, like, that's not true.

Well, the men who are like that are fucking awful. That's what I'm saying. You don't want them, girl. That sounds like that bend diagrams a circle. Like, don't worry about them. Like, there are many other men who don't give a fuck about shit like that. And it's like. Or they find it sexy and they find it hot.

Like they're attracted to it. That's why I said, it's not the same for everyone. So when men try to say this, they try to say blanket shit like, oh, men hate that. No. Not all men. It's not true. You hate that and I hate you. same thing when men are like, I would never fuck you.

Okay, same. Fucking twin. What the fuck? I'm glad we're on the same page there. What are we arguing? Let's dapp up. Also, it turns out we have a lot more in common than you think, huh? I also find you ugly, so it works out.

Like, I just hate that lie that they're told. You know, like, oh, they don't like the big shoulders. Don't like this. No, it's actually not true. I found many, many, many like bigger women. So it's just like these girls. And that's why I just kind of try to share that as well. Totally.

Look, girl, that's what you're working with. You got to accept it. because people will love it, but if you don't love yourself or accept yourself in a way, it'll actually get in the way of that. Absolutely. Yeah, I've told people before

because they're like, oh, I wish I had your confidence. I've told people, you do. You just got to give yourself permission to use it. Yeah. I gave myself permission a long fucking time ago, and it's worked out for me. So I highly suggest all of you do it.

Like, it's just, if you're the only person standing in the way of that. Yeah. And never let men who are ugly and unemployed make you believe that you're ugly because it's not true. And like have a support system. Don't listen to them.

Listen to like the real people. Absolutely. My sisters I listen to you. Like real life. Real life people. Like who see you. You know these men are like, oh, you look like a man.

And then I go to the men on this, like my buddies on the men's team or the buddies, my buddies on the circuit. And I'm like, because one time these comments are really getting me. And I made a video about it. And I went up to and we were out after a tournament. I was like talking to this one guy that I know like attractive, very attractive man.

I was like, you know, they're saying this. And he's like, I've literally never thought that about you. Like and then I talked to some other guys. it's like, no, I've never thought that. No, of course not. Like, it's just like, okay, here are these real life people who are hotter and more successful than everybody in what they believe. Yeah.

Well, and it's also, it's just a testament to like a lot of times it's a projection. So men feel like either they couldn't get you or they feel like you have something they don't have, which is a successful career as an athlete, successful career online. Like, it's all a big projection. That's all it is. It's just jealousy, yeah. And then honestly, sometimes they do want to fuck you. And that's been the case for me.

That's all it's like that. line is razor thin bitch between love and hate so i was like the way something and some men like when they really talk shit i mean lately they've been really on some shit about oh about me i they were saying like some shit about like i'm scamming people they're like oh drew's a scammer because she turns out she has a boyfriend her and also why are you guys acting like you're breaking the watergate scandal bitch like the bitches in my comments know i have a man what the fuck scamming them that you hate on like i'm scamming single women oh and to because i tell them people to die alone and like to be single forever which I've literally never said yeah and then they're like

and then women buy into it and turns out she's married I'm not even married so I don't know where they got that but I was like okay the only person getting taken advantage of in my business is awful men yeah because they can't stop saying awful shit about me and then my career just continues to flourish yeah yeah yeah so someone is being used uh it's just not women who love me it's for sure that's and my sister's do whenever I get those mean comments they're like awesome keep commenting thank you for helping that boosting that That's what I'm saying. I love it. Absolutely.

And that's all like, sometimes it'll be like, why is this on my for you page? Well, now that you comments it, I'll see you again, bitch. See you next time. Gotcha. I'll see you in a little bit when you send me another hate comment. Let me be there again. Oh, that's crazy. I'm so happy that you came on the show.

I'm grateful to have you as a representation of a very successful female athlete. But also, I'm happy to have had you on the show. You're amazing. Thank you so much. You're so great. I do want to ask you one last question now. What would you say is your best piece of advice for, any young girl who maybe is like an athlete now or wants to pursue being an athlete,

but maybe a little intimidated when it comes to how men may perceive them, especially when you're so successful in a physical sport. Number one, fuck men. Period. Number two, I think I almost go back to the support system and like how, and having people around you, having a team like that, rugby changed my life. It made me accept my personality, they accept my size.

I remember coming on my first rugby pitch and they called me like the big girl and I was like oh I am the big girl and that's actually really respected there.

Three, I think it's important for women to find out what their body is capable of because a lot of times as women were just our bodies are almost there to be objectified

like by the media by what it is and just to be looked at and I think doing a sport and finding out what your body is capable of and it's not just something for people to judge

and to dissect. Yeah. is really important. So take these sports as a way to see that your body can do so much more. Totally. Whether it's like golf or pickleball or lift a weight. Just take really be in your body because that is your body. That's your personality. That's who you are. And I guess learn to whether it's love, whether it's accept. Just get to know it. Period. I love that. Thank you so much for the wonderful advice and for being amazing. Also,

if you're looking for a man, now's the time. Do you have any crushes that you want to shout out, want to be bold? I wish I did. I need to like get on. I try to tell my, like, I can go to my friends. Like, y'all know anybody I got to DM? Anybody I should hit up to me? I don't know anybody.

I haven't DM'd anybody. Girl, use that blue check mark till the wheels fall off, bitch. But I was just telling my sister that the other day because my sister is in the market for a WNBA wife. if anyone is interested, let me know. Go ahead and slide in my inbox and I'll pass you off. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. If you pass my test.

Also slide in hers if you're interested in me. Yeah, and in Alona as well. I'll use that as well. Please. But that's why I was telling my sister, I'm like, dude, the way I would, if I was single, I'd be abusing the hell out of that thing. I'd just be DMing anyone that, hey, you want me? Yeah, check yes or no.

Yeah. Hey, I'm sending a quick survey your way. If you could, I need to use it more. Yes or no. I need to use it more. I just have not. You have to. gave about it. Like at the Olympics, I genuinely thought I was like, there's going to be so many athletes in my DMs afternoons.

I'm going to be fighting them off. Nothing. So I just got to get on it. Sometimes they're a little, sometimes they're a little nervy though. Maybe they get a little nervy. So I got to keep making the first move. Ugh. I will though. But no, I'll see what I can do. I'm going to put in some work. Okay. If you're, do you like athletes, do you like anyone in particular? Any, any box? At this point. Just like, just getting up there. So as long as you're not awful. If you can have a conversation and you're just not awful. And maybe like art can laugh at a joke. Yeah.

He's not such a bummer. Slide in. That's all straight women's status. Are you intellectual? Have you killed anybody in the last year? All right. You're for me. I love you.

Let's go on a date. See you at the cheesecake factory. I think that if you are interested in Alona, let me know. If y'all would rather reach out to me, that's fine. I'll play telephone. But I'm rooting for you. Thank you so much. Maybe you'll find your love in Tokyo.

Paris. Paris. Hello? I tried to do you that. Paris. I'm really just hoping. He said I tried to doke. It didn't work there. I'll try again.

Yeah, Paris. The city of love. I know. Okay, period. Alana. Probably won't work. We're going to see, though. Fingers crossed, everyone.

Yeah. We're room for a metal and a man. Metal and a man. Oh, that's so good. I'm going to use that. I'd love that. Yeah, make that you. That's your new thing for Paris.

New series, metal and a man. There you go. Thank you so much for coming on the show. I adore you. you're amazing. Thank you for all the success and I'm a root

for your medal and your man. And thank you all for joining us in this episode of the comments section show. Where can everybody

find you Miss Alona? I am on all the apps at Elona Mara I-L-O-N-A-M-H-R period. And like other things? I don't know.

What do I do? TikTok, Instagram. All of the things. I, yeah. She's an athlete full-time. I'm there. I'm a dickhead on the internet full-time and she's an athlete

full-time. Yes. And then sometimes I say funny. Yeah. Well, Make sure y'all go follow Alona on everything and make sure you follow her journey when she goes to Paris, which I'm rooting for. Woo-hoo! And thank you all so much for joining us on this week's episode.

Don't forget new episodes of the comment section drop every Wednesday. You can stream the audio on all streaming platforms where you can watch the video exclusively and for free on our favorite platform, Spotify. Thank you so much to my guest, Alona. Thank you all so much for joining us and I'll see you next week. Bye!