Ilona Maher, the Burlington-based Olympic rugby sevens athlete, achieved a remarkable second place in the finale of Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday night. Alongside her professional dance partner Alan Bersten, Maher took to Instagram to express her gratitude to fans for their support throughout the competition.
“Thank you for everything, guys. Your votes are the reason we reached second place. While it’s not first, we truly feel like we have won in many other ways. I feel so fortunate to have shared this amazing journey with Alan, and it’s a memory we will cherish forever,” they wrote in their post.
Maher, who recently secured a bronze medal during the Paris summer games and also participated in the Tokyo Olympics, has garnered a strong following on social media platforms like TikTok. There, she promotes body positivity and empowerment among women, blending humor with powerful messages.
In a candid video following her casting announcement, Maher confessed that she initially hesitated to join the show. “I know rugby,” she stated. “But it felt hypocritical not to embrace an opportunity that could showcase my body in a new light.”
Ultimately, she decided to participate for several reasons, primarily to reshape the narrative around her abilities and demonstrate what her physique is capable of achieving. “Athletes are multidimensional,” she noted. “We’re capable of so many amazing things with our strong, beautiful bodies.”
In the finale, Maher performed a freestyle routine to Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” and previously dedicated a dance to her rugby sevens team earlier in the season, highlighting her commitment to both her sport and her newfound passion for dance.
This journey presents an inspiring example of how athletes like Maher can challenge traditional narratives and explore new avenues of self-expression. As she continues to bridge the worlds of sports and entertainment, there is hope that her platform will encourage others to embrace their unique strengths and identities.
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