Who Is Ilona Maher? Meet The Olympian Rugby Player The Internet Can’t Stop Talking About

At 27, this Burlington, Vermont native has already built an impressive athletic career, from an all-around high school athlete to a celebrated rugby player at Quinnipiac University to a current Olympian competitor.

Her journey to international acclaim began with her collegiate success, where she led her team to three National Intercollegiate Rugby Association titles and earned All-American honors. This, combined with her growing platforms across social media, has boosted her star power.

In 2017, Maher received the MA Sorenson Award, recognizing her as the best women’s rugby player in college athletics. Her standout performance continued as she helped Scion Rugby Academy clinch the 2018 Las Vegas Invitational's Elite title, leading to her international debut at the 2018 Paris Sevens tournament. Maher’s career highlights also include representing the U.S. at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2018 and participating in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.

Maher, who plays as a center, is known for her powerful and agile gameplay, but her athletic prowess is further complemented by her hilarious and candid online presence, where she shares glimpses of her life as a female athlete, connects with fans on a personal level, and offers encouragement to women, particularly those who are criticized for their appearance.

From sharing behind-the-scenes moments at the Olympics to discussing her body image and celebrating her teammates' skills, she has built a loyal following. Her video of testing the Olympic Village’s cardboard beds with teammates racked up over 6.8 million views, highlighting their playful personalities.

Despite her many achievements, Maher herself faces criticism about her appearance, with some labeling her as "masculine" due to her weight and bone structure.

However, those who follow her know that there’s nothing masculine about her. She embraces beauty and fashion, openly talks about her love for typical girly-girl things, and is self-assured in her femininity, as seen by many of her responses to negative comments.

Maher’s charm lies in being a girls' girl, supporting and uplifting her teammates and others online while also being unapologetically herself. Whether she’s working out, trying on new outfits, or showcasing her teammates’ talents, Maher comes across as strong, feminine, and sweetly relatable.

In a world that often pits femininity against strength, Ilona Maher is a reminder that the two can coexist beautifully and win hearts worldwide.

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