Ilona Maher Reveals the Surprising Moment She Got a Panic Attack Preparing for “Dancing with the Stars”

Ilona Maher Recounts Struggle with Panic Attack on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Competing on a high-stakes reality TV show like ‘Dancing with the Stars’ can be a thrilling yet daunting experience for any contestant. However, for Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher, the pressure of the limelight proved to be overwhelming as she revealed a vulnerable moment she faced just days before the show’s premiere.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Maher shared a video of herself experiencing a panic attack during a taping ahead of the season 33 premiere of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ back in September. The clip captures Maher visibly anxious, fanning herself and breathing heavily while preparing to dance in front of a room full of people.

The rugby player, who partnered with Alan Bersten on the show, reflected on the intense stress she felt leading up to the competition. Despite her nerves, Maher managed to push through and maintain a positive attitude as she tackled the challenges of performing on a national stage.

Bersten, Maher’s dance partner and close friend, also chimed in on the Instagram post, reminiscing about the shared experience and offering support to Maher during her moment of vulnerability. Maher’s transparency about her panic attack sheds light on the mental and emotional toll that competitive reality shows can have on participants.

Following her courageous journey on ‘Dancing with the Stars’, where she made it to the finale before securing the runner-up position, Maher decided to retire from dance in April. Despite the ups and downs of the competition, Maher expressed gratitude for the experience and the lessons she learned about herself along the way.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Maher reflected on her time on the show and the valuable insights she gained through the process. She acknowledged that while dance may not be her ultimate passion, the experience challenged her to explore new avenues and test her physical and mental limits.

Maher’s candid story serves as a reminder that even accomplished athletes face moments of vulnerability and self-doubt. By sharing her struggles with panic attacks and performance anxiety, Maher exemplifies resilience and bravery in the face of adversity.

As Maher transitions into the next chapter of her career, her openness about mental health and the pressures of competitive sports resonates with audiences worldwide. Her journey on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ may have come to a close, but Maher’s courageous spirit and determination continue to inspire others to face their fears head-on and embrace new challenges with grace and humility.