Ilona Maher, an Olympic rugby sevens player from Burlington, captured attention in the season finale of Dancing with the Stars, where she achieved a commendable second place. Alongside her professional dance partner, Alan Bersten, Maher expressed her gratitude to fans on Instagram, stating, “Thank you for everything, guys. Your voting is the reason we got to 2nd place. Of course, it’s no first, but honestly we won in many other ways. So lucky to have been partnered together and shared this amazing journey. We will remember this forever.”
This summer, Maher also earned a bronze medal in the rugby sevens event at the Paris Olympics, adding to her impressive athletic resume that includes competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Known for her vibrant social media presence—particularly on TikTok—she shares content that promotes body positivity and celebrates strong, empowered women.
Interestingly, Maher initially hesitated to join the dancing competition, feeling apprehensive about stepping outside her comfort zone. However, she ultimately embraced the experience, eager to showcase the capabilities of her body beyond the rugby field. “I know rugby,” she acknowledged in a video, “yet it felt hypocritical of me to not want to try something new.”
Maher emphasized the multi-faceted nature of athletes, stating, “[Athletes are] more than just one thing. We can do so many great things with our strong, beautiful bodies.” In the finale, she performed a freestyle dance to Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” and dedicated an earlier performance to her rugby sevens team.
Ilona Maher’s impressive journey illustrates the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and the importance of representation in sports and entertainment. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for both athletes and fans, highlighting that success can take many forms, and it’s the experiences gained along the way that truly matter.
This narrative underscores the message that athletes can thrive in diverse arenas, broadening their influence and inspiring many along the way.