Ilona Maher, the Olympic bronze medallist and member of the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team, has added another impressive feat to her list of achievements: becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model. The 28-year-old athlete graced the cover of the magazine’s September digital issue, showcasing her toned physique and sending a powerful message about body image, female empowerment, and breaking stereotypes.
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Maher’s Rise to Stardom
Ilona Maher has become a household name in the world of rugby. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, and possessing an estimated 170 pounds of lean muscle mass, Maher defies conventional beauty standards and challenges the notion of what an athlete should look like. Her journey to the Olympics began with the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team, where she helped secure the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in the sport during the 2024 Paris Games. This achievement alone was groundbreaking, but Maher’s impact extends far beyond the rugby pitch.
Advocating for Women in Sports
Off the field, Maher has become a vocal advocate for women in sports, using her platform to address issues such as salary disparity between male and female athletes. In an interview with SI Swim, Maher highlighted the striking contrast in earnings between male and female rugby players: “They [men] get to play rugby and they get paid millions of dollars while we make minimum wage, and this won’t be a career for us […] I have teammates going into the workforce now, whereas these guys can continue playing rugby full-time.”
Maher’s advocacy also extends to challenging stereotypes about female athletes’ appearances. She has been candid about her experiences of being labelled “masculine” and “overweight” throughout her life. However, rugby empowered her to embrace her strength and view her body as a tool for athletic achievement rather than an object of scrutiny. “I was always called masculine or whatever,” Maher told SI, “but I never felt that way. I don’t think you’re going to bully the girl who could probably beat you up […] Rugby showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is.”
Taking on BMI Standards
Maher has also taken on the limitations of using Body Mass Index (BMI) as a measure of health, particularly for athletes with higher muscle mass. In a viral TikTok video, she addressed a commenter who pointed out her BMI of 29.3, which is considered “overweight” according to the Cleveland Clinic’s standards. Maher acknowledged the inaccuracy of BMI in assessing health or strength, especially for athletes. “BMI doesn’t really tell you what I can do,” she asserted. “It doesn’t tell you what I do on the field or how fit I am. It’s just a couple of numbers put together.”
A Social Media Sensation
Beyond her athletic prowess and advocacy, Maher has become a social media sensation, amassing over six million followers on TikTok and Instagram combined. Her authentic and unapologetic online persona has resonated with people worldwide. Known for her humour and willingness to call out trolls, Maher has created a safe space for herself and her followers, challenging body image issues and promoting self-acceptance.
Breaking Barriers with Sports Illustrated Cover
Maher’s appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is more than just a photoshoot—it symbolizes a significant shift in the narrative. Editor-in-Chief MJ Day described Maher’s presence on the cover as “a celebration of her athletic achievements, but also a powerful statement.” Day continued, “Ilona is a modern-day role model of strength, conviction, and authenticity while displaying an indomitable spirit. Her ability to break barriers, both on and off the field, resonates deeply with women everywhere.”
The photos, taken by Ben Watts on Fire Island Beach in Bellport, New York, feature Maher in stunning swimwear, including a chocolate brown bikini. They showcase not just her physical prowess but also her confidence and courage to lead and inspire.
Conclusion
Ilona Maher’s impact extends far beyond her Olympic medal. She has become a symbol of strength, body positivity, and female empowerment, using her platform to address important issues in women’s sports. Her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is a testament to her ability to break down barriers and challenge societal norms. Maher’s story serves as an inspiration to athletes, women, and individuals worldwide who dare to defy expectations and embrace their true selves.
