Ilona Maher: Olympian, DWTS Star & Body Positivity Advocate 2024
Introduction: From Rugby Fields to the Dance Floor — Ilona Maher’s Inspiring Rise
In the world of sports and entertainment, few stories are as captivating as that of Ilona Maher.
She’s not just an Olympic rugby player — she’s also a rising media personality, a fierce advocate for body positivity, and now, a crowd favorite on Dancing With The Stars. From fierce tackles on the rugby field to graceful spins on the ballroom stage, Maher is proving that athletes can thrive far beyond the sports arena.
In 2024, Ilona is back in the spotlight for two big reasons:
- Her preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she’s a key player for the U.S. Women’s Rugby Sevens team.
- Her exciting participation in DWTS, where she’s partnered with professional dancer Alan Bersten, and won her over fans weekly.
What makes her story unique is the way she’s managed to blend athletic power with pop culture appeal, all while staying true to herself. She uses her platform not just for fame, but to promote confidence, inclusion, and realistic portrayals of female athletes.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Her early life and rise in rugby
- Key Olympic performances
- Her journey on Dancing With The Stars
- How she’s changing the image of female athletes online
- What lies ahead for her in 2024 and beyond
Whether you know her from her viral TikTok videos, her dominance on the rugby pitch, or her glittering DWTS appearances, Ilona Maher is a name to remember.
Who is Ilona Maher? From Vermont Roots to Global Recognition
Early Life and Childhood
Ilona Maher was born on August 12, 1996, and raised in Burlington, Vermont. Growing up in a small town, she was always drawn to sports. As a child, she played soccer, field hockey, and basketball, showing a natural strength and competitiveness that made her stand out early on.
But she didn’t grow up dreaming of playing rugby — in fact, she didn’t even know much about it until high school. What she did have, though, was a love for physical play and team competition. Those traits, the same ones celebrated in events like the Kentucky Derby 2025, would eventually lead her to a sport where strength and teamwork truly shine.
Education and Discovery of Rugby
Ilona first encountered rugby while attending Burlington High School, and it changed her life.
Unlike traditional sports, rugby gave her a sense of freedom — there were no unrealistic beauty standards, no pressure to “look” a certain way. It was all about strength, skill, and toughness. It was here that she found a community that accepted her athletic build and gave her a new identity: a rugby player.
After high school, she attended Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, where she majored in nursing, a field she chose because of her desire to help others. But rugby remained a huge part of her college experience. At Quinnipiac, she became a three-time National Champion with the women’s rugby team, gaining national attention for her powerful playing style.
Rising Through the Ranks
Her success in college rugby caught the eye of USA Rugby, and in 2018, she was selected to join the U.S. Women’s Rugby Sevens team.
From there, her career took off:
- She played in international tournaments across the globe.
- She became known for her strength, speed, and fearless playing style.
- She was selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, representing Team USA on the biggest stage in sports.
Ilona’s journey into professional rugby wasn’t typical — she wasn’t born into the sport, and she didn’t have decades of training like some athletes. But her hard work, discipline, and self-confidence helped her rise quickly.
Even more impressive? She’s done it all while being unapologetically herself — funny, outspoken, and passionate about empowering others.
Ilona Maher’s Olympic Journey: Power, Presence, and Paris 2024
Tokyo 2020: A Breakout on the Global Stage
Ilona Maher made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), as a member of the U.S. Women’s Rugby Sevens team.
Rugby sevens is a fast-paced version of traditional rugby union. With just seven players per team and matches lasting only 14 minutes, every second counts.
In Tokyo, Maher quickly became one of the most talked-about athletes, not just because of her fierce play on the field, but also because of her charisma off it.
On the Field
- Maher was a starting forward, often leading aggressive offensive pushes.
- She scored multiple key tries and made powerful defensive plays.
- The U.S. team reached the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by Great Britain.
Tokyo 2020 Match Stats (Selected Games) |
Vs. China – Try scored, 3 tackles |
Vs. Japan – Line breaks, 1 assist |
Vs. Great Britain – 6 carries, 2 turnovers forced |
Although they didn’t medal, Maher’s athleticism stood out — she was praised for her strength, agility, and on-field leadership.
Off the Field
- Ilona went viral on TikTok, where she shared behind-the-scenes Olympic life.
- She gained over 800,000 followers during the Games by posting candid, funny, and relatable content.
- She used her platform to talk about body confidence, especially for strong, athletic women.
One of her quotes during the Games became a rallying cry online:
“Strong women come in all shapes and sizes. This is what an Olympian looks like.”
🇺🇸 Road to Paris 2024: A New Chapter
Now, Maher is laser-focused on the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the path to qualification is intense.
She’s currently playing in major tournaments like the Pacific Four Series, where teams like the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia compete. These events are crucial for:
- Gaining points for Olympic qualification.
- Sharpening team chemistry.
- Building global rankings.
Maher remains a core team player, known for her power in scrums, ball-carrying skills, and tactical awareness.
Rugby Sevens at the Olympics: Explained
Feature | Details |
Format | 7 players per team, 2 halves of 7 minutes |
Olympic Status | Included since 2016 |
Medal Contenders (Women) | New Zealand, Australia, USA, France |
USA’s Best Finish | 5th place (2016, 2021) |
Ilona Maher and Team USA are considered strong medal contenders in 2024, especially with their current lineup featuring stars like Kristi Kirshe and Naya Tapper.
Beyond the Game
For Maher, being an Olympian is about more than just medals — it’s about representation, visibility, and breaking stereotypes.
She’s not afraid to be bold, goofy, or honest — and that authenticity has won her a loyal fan base.
As Paris 2024 approaches, fans will be watching not just for her rugby highlights but for her continued push to make sports more inclusive, body-positive, and fun.
Ilona Maher on Dancing With The Stars: From Cleats to Cha-Cha
Ilona Maher is known for powering through tackles on the rugby field — but in 2024, she took on a very different kind of challenge: competing on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS).
Her appearance on the hit show was surprising to many, but perfectly in line with who Ilona is — someone who’s not afraid to try new things, defy expectations, and have fun while doing it.
DWTS Season & Partner
Ilona joined Season 33 of Dancing With The Stars, pairing with professional dancer Alan Bersten, a long-time fan-favorite on the show.
About Alan Bersten:
- Winner of Season 28 with Hannah Brown.
- Known for working with athletic partners (like Simone Biles and Ally Brooke).
- Brings a teaching style that’s intense, but supportive — a great match for Maher’s competitive mindset.
From the first week, their chemistry was obvious — not just in dancing, but in their mutual respect and playfulness.
Weekly Performances
Despite having no formal dance background, Ilona impressed judges with her power, presence, and personality.
Here’s a sample of her weekly performances:
Week | Dance Style | Song | Judge Feedback |
Week 1 | Cha-Cha | “Run the World” – Beyoncé | “Strong start! Great stage presence and control.” – Bruno |
Week 2 | Viennese Waltz | “A Thousand Years” | “Surprisingly graceful. She’s got potential!” – Carrie Ann |
Week 3 | Salsa | “Bailando” – Enrique Iglesias | “Great energy, footwork still needs polishing.” – Derek |
Week 4 | Contemporary | “This is Me” – Keala Settle | “Powerful. Emotional. Raw.” – All judges gave standing ovation |
Ilona wasn’t just dancing — she was telling stories, often bringing themes of strength, vulnerability, and body positivity to her routines.
Balancing Rugby & Rehearsals
What made her participation even more impressive is that she didn’t pause her rugby training. In between rehearsals and live shows, she was:
- Lifting weights
- Attending team strategy meetings
- Keeping her cardio and recovery in top shape
In interviews, Ilona admitted it was tough:
“DWTS is harder than rugby in some ways — your brain and body have to sync in ways I wasn’t used to. But it’s been incredible.”
Her athletic background helped with endurance, but dancing required a different kind of discipline — precision, poise, and emotion.
Impact and Fan Response
Ilona quickly became a fan favorite on DWTS:
- Social media buzz surged each week — her dance outfits, funny rehearsal clips, and motivational quotes went viral.
- TikTok and Instagram fans praised her for breaking the mold of what a “typical” dancer should look like.
- Fellow athletes and celebrities cheered her on, including teammates from USA Rugby and stars like Megan Rapinoe.
She also used her platform to speak on issues like:
- Body acceptance in performing arts
- Confidence for young girls in sports and dance
- Breaking stereotypes about what athletes can and can’t do
Not Just a Contestant — A Cultural Moment
Ilona’s time on DWTS wasn’t just about competition — it was about representation.
Seeing a strong, openly queer, plus-size Olympic athlete dancing on prime-time TV challenged long-standing norms. She inspired not only rugby fans but also:
- Young dancers who feel “different”
- Athletes exploring life beyond sport
- Women learning to love their bodies in every form
Ilona Maher’s Digital Persona & Advocacy: The Power of Being Unapologetically You
Ilona Maher doesn’t just make headlines for what she does on the rugby field or the dance floor — she’s also become a leading voice online, using her platform to spark important conversations about body image, identity, confidence, and authenticity.
With a personality as bold as her rugby tackles, Maher has made a name for herself on social media — not just as an athlete, but as a role model, creator, and advocate.
Social Media Presence: Strong, Funny, Real
Ilona’s biggest online impact has come from TikTok and Instagram, where she combines:
- Humor and relatability
- Behind-the-scenes training clips
- Body positivity content
- Unfiltered opinions and life updates
Key Stats:
- TikTok: Over 1 million followers
- Instagram: 400 K+ followers and growing
- Average TikTok views: 100K–2M per post
Her videos often go viral for their:
- Honest takes on being a muscular woman
- Day-in-the-life athlete vlogs
- “Thirst trap” parodies that mix comedy and self-love
- Reactions to internet trolls (always with wit)
“You’re too bulky!”
Ilona: “Too bulky for what? Saving your whole team?”
This kind of content has made her stand out — not just among athletes, but among influencers across industries.
Advocacy for Confidence and Inclusion
Ilona consistently uses her voice to:
- Promote body acceptance, especially for women with athletic builds
- Celebrate LGBTQ+ identity with pride and humor
- Encourage young athletes to embrace who they are, on and off the field
She’s openly discussed how sports helped her feel powerful, even when society made her feel like she didn’t fit in.
Topics She Speaks On:
Advocacy Theme | Description |
Body Positivity | Encouraging women to embrace strength, muscles, and “non-traditional” bodies |
LGBTQ+ Representation | Sharing her experience as a queer athlete in a male-dominated sport |
Mental Health | Discussing pressure, self-doubt, and coping with internet criticism |
Media Stereotypes | Challenging portrayals of femininity and athleticism in pop culture |
“When I was younger, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in sports or media. So now, I’m becoming that person for the next generation.”
She’s spoken at panels, podcasts, and sports leadership events, pushing for more inclusive language and coverage of women in sports.
Why It Matters
In a digital world full of filters and fake perfection, Ilona Maher is refreshing. She’s:
- Loud about what matters
- Not afraid to laugh at herself
- Committed to using her platform for real change
Her influence stretches beyond sports, reaching:
- Young girls in school sports teams
- Queer teens looking for representation
- Women learning to accept themselves, just as they are
Recognition and Brand Collaborations
Her authenticity has led to:
- Brand partnerships with companies that align with her message (e.g., Nike, Gymshark, Bumble)
- Features in mainstream media, including:
- ESPN’s Body Issue (celebrating strong bodies)
- Sports Illustrated interviews
- NBC and TODAY Show appearances
Ilona Maher is no longer “just” an Olympian or a DWTS contestant — she’s a voice of a movement, proving that being strong, real, and joyful can break barriers everywhere.
Clarifying Trending Questions: What People Are Asking About Ilona Maher
With Ilona Maher’s growing fame in sports, entertainment, and social media, people naturally have questions. Some are fun, others come from curiosity, and a few, unfortunately, stem from outdated stereotypes.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common questions (based on People Also Ask, featured snippets, and AI overviews from search engines), with clear, factual answers that align with her values and public presence.
“Is Ilona Maher a man?”
Answer: No. Ilona Maher is a cisgender woman and an Olympic rugby player.
This question often arises due to her strong, muscular build, which sadly reflects ongoing gender biases in sports and media. It’s a common issue many female athletes face, especially those in strength or contact sports, where physical strength is incorrectly associated with masculinity.
“Muscles don’t make me less feminine — they make me powerful.” – Ilona Maher
Rather than shy away from the conversation, Maher confronts it head-on:
- She uses humor on TikTok to address inappropriate or rude comments.
- She speaks openly about the need to redefine what women’s strength looks like.
- She’s part of a growing group of athletes pushing back against gender-based body shaming.
Related Reading:
“Ilona Maher as a Child”
Answer: Ilona grew up in Burlington, Vermont, where she was energetic, athletic, and competitive from a young age.
She was involved in multiple sports as a child, including soccer, field hockey, and basketball. But it wasn’t until high school that she discovered rugby, and it changed the course of her life.
- Her family supported her athletic pursuits early on.
- She was known for her toughness and confidence, even in childhood sports teams.
- Teachers and coaches often described her as a natural leader and a “team-first” player.
Her childhood shaped her mindset: focus on effort, have fun, and don’t try to fit in — stand out.
“Who is Ilona Maher’s DWTS partner?”
Answer: Her partner on Dancing With The Stars is Alan Bersten, a professional dancer known for working with athletes and high-energy performers.
- Alan won Season 28 with Hannah Brown.
- He’s respected for his adaptability and support of first-time dancers.
- He and Ilona were praised for their chemistry, humor, and creative routines.
Their performances stood out not just for technique but for storytelling, showing confidence, vulnerability, and joy.
“Does Ilona Maher play for Bristol Bears?”
Answer: No, Ilona Maher does not play for the Bristol Bears Women’s Rugby Team.
The Bristol Bears are a UK-based club in the Premier 15s, while Ilona plays for USA Rugby Sevens, part of the national Olympic program.
There may be confusion because both teams:
- Feature strong women’s rugby rosters
- Compete internationally
- Share similar athlete styles (powerful forwards, fast wings)
Maher’s professional affiliation is exclusively with USA Rugby and the World Rugby Sevens Series.
“Is Ilona Maher going to the 2024 Olympics?”
Answer: Yes, Ilona Maher is on track to represent Team USA in Rugby Sevens at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
As of now:
- She’s a core player in the U.S. roster.
- Competing in the Pacific Four Series and World Sevens Series to prepare.
- She’s been vocal about her commitment to performance, recovery, and team unity leading into Paris.
Team USA is aiming for its first-ever Olympic medal in women’s rugby, and Maher will play a key role in that effort.
Olympic Rugby 2024: What to Expect and Where Ilona Maher Fits In
Rugby might not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of the Olympics, but once you’ve seen a match of rugby sevens, it’s hard to forget. Fast, fierce, and full of action, it’s one of the most exciting sports at the Summer Games — and Ilona Maher is right in the middle of it.
What is Rugby Sevens?
Rugby sevens is a high-speed version of traditional rugby. It’s played with 7 players per team (instead of 15), and matches are much shorter — just 14 minutes total (two 7-minute halves).
That means:
- Every second counts.
- Mistakes are costly.
- Players must be incredibly fit, fast, and strategic.
It’s like the sprint version of rugby, and fans love it for its non-stop action.
Feature | Rugby Sevens |
Players on the field | 7 per team |
Match length | 14 minutes (2 x 7 min) |
Field size | Full-size rugby field |
Olympic debut | 2016 in Rio |
Women’s debut | 2016 |
Style of play | Fast-paced, open-field |
🇺🇸 Team USA Women’s Rugby: Rising Stars
The USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team has been steadily rising in global rankings.
They’re known for their:
- Powerful forwards (like Ilona Maher)
- Lightning-fast wings (e.g., Naya Tapper, Kristi Kirshe)
- High-level athleticism and teamwork
Ilona Maher’s Role
- Position: Forward (specialized in breakdowns, ball carries, and setting up attacks)
- Strengths:
- Physical dominance in contact
- Game awareness and communication
- Fitness level from years of international play
- Experience:
- Competed in Tokyo 2020
- Regular starter in the World Rugby Sevens Series
- A leader in and out of the locker room
- Competed in Tokyo 2020
Ilona is not only a key contributor on the field — she’s also one of the most visible faces of the team, representing U.S. rugby in the media and online.
Global Competition: Top Contenders for 2024
Here’s a look at the top teams the USA will be facing in Paris 2024:
Team | Ranking | Star Players | Medal Chance |
New Zealand | #1 | Portia Woodman, Stacey Waaka | 🥇 Very high |
Australia | #2 | Charlotte Caslick, Maddison Levi | 🥈 Very high |
USA | #3 | Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper | 🥉 Strong |
France | #4 | Camille Grassineau, Joanna Grisez | Medium |
Fiji | #5 | Reapi Ulunisau, Alowesi Nakoci | Dark horse |
Olympic Qualification and Schedule
Team USA qualified for Paris 2024 through strong performances in the World Rugby Sevens Series and regional tournaments. The women’s rugby sevens tournament at the Olympics typically includes:
- 12 teams
- 3 pool rounds
- Quarterfinals → Semifinals → Medal matches
Rugby at Paris 2024
- Venue: Stade de France (Saint-Denis, Paris)
- Dates: July 29 – August 1, 2024
Has the USA Won an Olympic Medal in Women’s Rugby?
Not yet — but they’re close.
Year | Gold | Silver | Bronze | USA Finish |
2016 | Australia | New Zealand | Canada | 5th place |
2020 | New Zealand | France | Fiji | 6th place |
With improved depth and experience — and players like Maher leading the charge — 2024 could be the year Team USA finally reaches the podium.
What’s Next for Ilona Maher?
Between Olympic training camps, international tournaments, and DWTS, Ilona is busier than ever. But her eyes are firmly set on Paris, where she hopes to:
- Help bring home the first-ever medal for U.S. Women’s Rugby
- Continue raising awareness for rugby and women in contact sports
- Show the world what strong, joyful, and bold looks like
Cultural Crossovers: When Athletes Like Ilona Maher Enter Entertainment
In today’s world, athletes aren’t just competing for medals — they’re building brands, influencing millions, and redefining what it means to be a public figure. Ilona Maher is a perfect example of this shift.
She’s a professional rugby player, but she’s also a dancer, content creator, and media personality — a combination that’s becoming more and more common among high-profile athletes.
Why the Crossover Works
Athletes like Maher bring a unique mix of traits to entertainment:
- Discipline from years of training
- Storytelling from their journeys
- Authenticity — fans trust them because they’ve seen their struggles and growth
When they enter the world of television, podcasts, TikTok, or public speaking, they do more than just show up — they inspire.
Example: Ilona on DWTS
- She didn’t just compete — she brought her whole story with her: strength, body confidence, and visibility for underrepresented athletes.
- Her dances became mini-statements about identity, power, and joy.
This kind of representation matters.
The Bigger Trend: Athletes as Cultural Icons
Ilona isn’t alone. Many athletes are making successful moves into pop culture:
Athlete | Sport | Crossover Role |
Simone Biles | Gymnastics | DWTS, mental health advocate, brand partner |
Megan Rapinoe | Soccer | Speaker, author, fashion campaigns |
Allyson Felix | Track & Field | Entrepreneur, maternity health advocate |
Ibtihaj Muhammad | Fencing | Author, doll design with Barbie, runway guest |
Ilona Maher | Rugby | DWTS, TikTok creator, LGBTQ+ voice |
This shows how athletes now influence more than just scoreboards — they shape how we talk about gender, race, identity, and power in the modern era.
The Benefits Go Both Ways
For Sports:
- More visibility (Rugby isn’t mainstream in the U.S., but Maher helps change that)
- More sponsorship opportunities for athletes
- More youth engagement — kids want to play what they see on screen
For Entertainment:
- New audiences brought in by athlete fans
- Authentic stories that connect deeply
- Fresh role models who aren’t just actors or influencers
Ilona Maher brings rugby to places it’s never been: beauty campaigns, red carpets, viral dances, and college campuses.
Full-Circle Influence
Ilona’s crossover also creates a feedback loop:
- Her DWTS fame brings new followers to rugby
- Her rugby fans become interested in dance, fashion, and self-confidence
- Brands now see athletes like her as a complete package — tough, smart, funny, and relatable
In short, athletes like Ilona Maher aren’t just stepping outside their sport — they’re changing what the entire culture looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ilona Maher and Related Topics
These are some of the most commonly searched questions about Ilona Maher, her career, her entertainment ventures, and the world of rugby and DWTS. Each answer is designed to be clear, accurate, and easy to understand.
Who is Ilona Maher?
Answer: Ilona Maher is a U.S. Olympic rugby player, social media personality, and contestant on Dancing With The Stars. She plays for the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team and is known for her powerful on-field presence and her outspoken advocacy for body confidence and LGBTQ+ inclusion. She gained international attention at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and continues to grow her following through TikTok, DWTS, and international rugby competitions.
Is Ilona Maher competing in the 2024 Olympics?
Answer: Yes, Ilona Maher is currently on the path to represent Team USA in Rugby Sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She’s an active core member of the national team and is competing in lead-up tournaments like the Pacific Four Series and the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Who won DWTS Season 15?
Answer: The winners of Dancing With The Stars Season 15 (All-Stars season, aired in 2012) were Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani. This season brought back past standout contestants for a second chance at the trophy.
What time is DWTS tonight?
Answer: Dancing With The Stars typically airs on Monday nights at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and also streams live on Disney+ (starting with Season 31). However, exact times may vary by season and location, so it’s best to check local listings or the official DWTS website.
Who won gold in women’s rugby at the last Olympics?
Answer: At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, New Zealand won the gold medal in women’s rugby sevens. France took silver, and Fiji earned bronze. Team USA finished 6th, but is considered a strong contender for a podium finish in Paris 2024.
Was Ilona Maher athletic as a child?
Answer: Yes. Ilona played soccer, basketball, and field hockey growing up in Burlington, Vermont. She didn’t discover rugby until high school, but once she did, it became her passion. Her athleticism and competitiveness were clear from a young age.
Is Ilona Maher married?
Answer: As of now, Ilona Maher is not married, and she keeps most of her relationships private. She often uses her platforms to talk about self-love, confidence, and friendship more than romantic topics.
What is rugby sevens?
Answer: Rugby sevens is a faster, shorter version of traditional rugby union. It’s played with 7 players per team, matches last 14 minutes, and the game is known for its speed, agility, and excitement. It has been an Olympic sport since 2016 for both men and women.
Why do people search “Is Ilona Maher a man”?
Answer: Unfortunately, this search often reflects outdated stereotypes about how female athletes “should” look. Ilona is a cisgender woman, and she actively uses her platform to challenge gender biases and promote body positivity. She handles such questions with strength, grace, and humor.
Where can I follow Ilona Maher?
Answer:
- TikTok: @ilonamaher
- Instagram: @ilonamaher
- Twitter/X: @ilonamaher
- She also appears regularly in media interviews, Olympic coverage, and Dancing with the Stars content.
References & External Sources
To ensure accuracy and depth, this article draws from reliable, up-to-date sources across sports, media, and official Olympic platforms. Readers looking to explore more can follow these links:
Source | Description |
Team USA – Ilona Maher | Official athlete bio and stats |
World Rugby Sevens Series | Tournament results and team rankings |
Olympics Paris 2024 – Rugby Sevens | Rugby schedule, format, and venue info |
DWTS Official Website (ABC) | Episode guides and contestant info |
Ilona Maher on TikTok | Direct link to her official TikTok account |
ESPN Rugby Coverage | Game analysis and athlete features |
IOC Gender Identity Guidelines | Olympic policies on gender and identity |
NBC Olympics | Replays, profiles, and Olympic news |
Conclusion: Ilona Maher Is Redefining What an Athlete Can Be
Ilona Maher’s journey isn’t just about rugby or dance — it’s about breaking barriers, defying expectations, and being real in every arena she steps into.
From a small town in Vermont to the global spotlight of the Olympics and Dancing With the Stars, she’s brought strength, humor, and heart to everything she does. She represents a new era of athlete — one who plays hard, speaks out, and lifts others along the way.
She’s not just an Olympian.
She’s not just a performer.
She’s a movement — and it’s only getting started.