Ilona Maher, the rugby star who first captured global attention at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, has recently reflected on her remarkable journey from athlete to social media sensation and reality TV competitor. Speaking to PEOPLE backstage at the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show, Maher expressed her intention to reconnect with her rugby roots after a whirlwind of success in the entertainment industry.
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At just 29 years old, Maher’s life has been a series of significant milestones since her Olympic debut. After returning to represent Team USA at the Paris Games in 2024, she also made a name for herself in Hollywood, gaining popularity as an exuberant personality and finishing as the runner-up on the reality show Dancing with the Stars. However, amidst her busy schedule, she now seeks to find a sense of normalcy by returning to the sport she loves.
In her interview with PEOPLE, Maher conveyed her enthusiasm for donning her rugby kit once again. “I’m excited to get back to rugby and have some normalcy,” she stated, emphasising her desire to balance her burgeoning celebrity status with the grounding influence of her athletic career. The influx of opportunities stemming from her newfound fame, including prominent modelling appearances at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit events and being named 2025 Rookie, has certainly been significant. Yet it is the community of support she has cultivated that she values most.
Maher’s platform has predominantly centred around themes of female empowerment and body positivity, resonating particularly with mothers and young girls. She often receives messages from women expressing gratitude for the inspiration she has ignited in their daughters, highlighting a unique bond she shares with this demographic. “Still a lot of moms, and I still love them. I love the moms. I love the daughters—they’re just the most positive people,” Maher shared. This connection drives her advocacy, as she aims to uplift women through her social media presence.
Having won a bronze medal at the Paris Games, Maher’s accomplishments on the rugby field have laid the foundation for her wider influence. Her appearances in high-profile events such as the Sports Illustrated Show have only increased her visibility and reach, but her heart lies firmly with the sport. After her stint in the UK with the Bristol Bears ended in March 2025, she reflected on the overall transformation in women’s rugby. “Women’s rugby is changing, and it’s really making the world a better place,” she remarked in an emotional farewell shared on Instagram.
In her message to fans, she urged them to continue supporting women’s rugby, demonstrating her commitment to the advancement of the sport. “We’re setting records and we need you to buy the shirt, come to the games. Women support women. Come and help us,” she implored, advocating for greater visibility and participation in women’s sports.
Maher’s evolution from athlete to influencer underlines the growing cross-section of sports and social media, with many athletes finding their voices online. As she explores these new avenues, her dedication to uplifting others remains at the forefront of her endeavours.
Now, with a focus on the upcoming rugby season, Maher seems poised to make a significant impact both on and off the field. The athlete has carved out a unique space where she combines her passion for rugby with her newfound ability to inspire and motivate a diverse audience. Her journey is a testament to the powerful role sports can play in fostering community and encouraging positive social change.
As she prepares to step back onto the pitch, Maher’s commitment to her sport and her advocacy work remains unwavering, bolstered by the love and support of her fans. Her story continues to unfold, and many will be watching closely as she navigates this exciting chapter of her life in both athletics and entertainment.