Ilona Maher, the Burlington native and Olympic rugby sevens player, earned second place in the Dancing with the Stars finale on Tuesday night. In a heartfelt Instagram post, both Maher and her partner, professional dancer Alan Bersten, expressed gratitude to their supporters. They emphasized that the votes cast by fans were pivotal in their achievement. “Thank you for everything, guys. Your voting is the reason we got to 2nd place. It’s no first, but honestly we won in many other ways. We’re so lucky to have been paired together for this incredible journey, and we will remember this forever,” they shared.
This past summer, Maher celebrated winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games and was also a competitor at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which were held in 2021. Known for her vibrant social media presence, particularly on TikTok, Maher combines comedic content with empowering messages focused on body positivity and the strength of women.
Reflecting on her initial hesitation to join the show, Maher revealed in an earlier video that she considered declining the opportunity. “I know rugby,” she stated, “yet it felt hypocritical to not want to try something new that could showcase what my body could do in a different light.” After careful consideration, Maher accepted the challenge, motivated by the chance to redefine her narrative and illustrate the capabilities of her athletic physique. “Athletes are more than just one thing; we can achieve remarkable things with our strong, beautiful bodies,” she noted.
In the finale, Maher delivered a captivating freestyle routine to Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon,” and earlier in the season, she paid tribute to her rugby team’s spirit through dance.
Ilona Maher’s journey on Dancing with the Stars highlights the multi-faceted talents of athletes and serves as an inspiration for embracing new experiences, confidence, and body positivity. Her story resonates with many, encouraging individuals to pursue their passions beyond their primary sport, showcasing that success comes in various forms.