Team USA women's rugby sevens achieved a milestone at the 2024 Olympics, bringing home the program's first medal by beating Australia for the bronze.
One of the team's breakout stars Ilona Maher, a 5-10 center, brought a huge following to the Americans' journey in Paris through her contagious personality on social media. She was announced as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition's cover star on Wednesday and is set to appear at the beginning September's digital issue.
YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!!! @ilona_maher pic.twitter.com/zyrkm2yySj
— SunnyAnderson (Taylor's Version😘) (@SunnyAnderson) August 28, 2024
Editor in chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit MJ Day elaborated on why Maher was chosen to grace the magazine's front in a statement.
"Ilona is a modern-day role model of strength, conviction, and authenticity while at the same time displaying the indomitable spirit of an inspirational human. Her ability to break barriers, both on and off the field, resonates deeply with women everywhere," Day said. "Ilona’s presence on our cover symbolizes a shift in the narrative—one that celebrates not only physical prowess but also the courage to lead, inspire, and advocate for change."
Here's everything to know about Maher, including more on her influential online presence and record of promoting body positivity.
MORE: USA women's rugby sevens walk-off win secures historic finish at 2024 Paris Olympics
Who is Ilona Maher?
The 28-year-old Vermont native debuted for the US national rugby team in 2018 after winning three championships as a member of the Quinnipiac University squad. Maher began playing the sport in high school and after college joined the sevens team at the Scion Rugby Academy in Washington, D.C. before affiliating with the national program.
The 2024 Paris Olympics were Maher's second Games after she participated in the 2021 Tokyo competition. The Americans came in sixth that year, winning four of six contests and losing to Great Britain in the quarterfinals.
Maher came back with a vengeance this summer, going viral for something other than her TikTok account in Team USA's first game of the tournament against Japan. On her first carry, she took the ball from deep in the Americans' half and powered up the right sideline, eventually blasting through three Japanese defenders and dealing a brutal stiff arm to one of them on her way to scoring a try.
ILONA MAHER COMING THROUGH. 💥#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/Im8JPa5WPs
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 28, 2024
NFL fans were quick to compare her run to the likes of strong running backs Derrick Henry or Marshawn Lynch. Maher helped the United States to go 2-1 in group play, qualifying the team for the medal playoff. The Americans beat Great Britain in the quarterfinals, avenging their 2021 loss, only to lose to New Zealand 24-12 in the semis.
Nevertheless, Team USA still managed to acquire the bronze medal despite entering the third-place match as underdogs to Australia. Alex Sedrick scored the game-winning try on a walk-off, full-field dash to take a spot on the podium with a 14-12 victory.
Ilona Maher body positivity
One could say Maher was working two jobs at this year's Olympics — star athlete and social media influencer. With over 6 million followers and counting across Instagram and TikTok, the rugby player uses her platforms to promote women in sports.
She sports #beastbeautybrains all over her accounts, advocating the idea that women can defy any stereotype that tells them they can't be who they want to be. All throughout her adventure in Paris, Maher was continuing to spread positive messages online for a larger audience than ever before.
@ilonamaher Seen yourself in these athletes @paris2024 @Team USA @Olympics #olympics ♬ original sound - Ilona Maher
During the course of the Games, Maher passed South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi on Instagram to claim the title of most-followed active rugby star. Since taking home her bronze medal, Maher has made an appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and enjoyed a welcome-back parade in her hometown of Burlington.
So far, her online presence is only growing, and she continues to act as a role model for young girls and women everywhere. Her inclusion in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit edition, including a cover story, is only confirmation that her messaging is reaching a wider audience every day.
MORE: Updated table of gold, silver, bronze Olympic medals for every country
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition former cover athletes
While several sportswomen have participated in the famed magazine as models, fewer have graced its cover. Maher is the first athlete to take the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit spot since Naomi Osaka in 2021. Alex Morgan also filled the role in 2019, and Ronda Rousey was the first athlete to claim a cover in 2016.
This year's edition includes "Legends" covers, as well, honoring 27 women who have brought "about meaningful change" over the past decade. There are a few athletes among these ranks, including Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird.
MORE: "Dancing with the Stars" cast 2024
Is Ilona Maher on 'Dancing with the Stars?'
Maher is one of several 2024 Olympians rumored to be featured on the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars." Men's gymnastics phenom coined "pommel horse guy" Stephen Nedoroscik was the first to confirm his casting last week on "Good Morning America."
Gymnast Jordan Chiles, who remains at the center of an ongoing medal controversy from the individual floor final, and viral Australian break dancer Raygun are among the other potential contestants whose names have been swirling around with Maher's.
The show is slated to reveal the full cast for Season 33 on Sept. 4 with the first episode premiering on Sept. 17.