United States rugby star Ilona Maher has been announced as a surprising new feature following her exploits at the Olympics.
The 28-year-old has been thriving as of late, having helped the U.S. women’s rugby sevens win bronze at the games in Paris. And she’s now on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue.
SI announced as much on Instagram this Wednesday, posting a video of the star athlete posing in a swimsuit with her medal on a beach.
Here’s a photo from the shoot:
“Ilona Maher gracing the cover of our September digital issue is more than just a celebration of her athletic achievements—it’s a powerful statement,” MJ Day, the editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, said. “Ilona is a modern-day role model of strength, conviction and authenticity while at the same time displaying the indomitable spirit of an inspirational human. Her ability to break barriers, both on and off the field, resonates deeply with women everywhere.
“Ilona’s presence on our cover symbolizes a shift in the narrative—one that celebrates not only physical prowess but also the courage to lead, inspire and advocate for change. We couldn’t feel more excited and inspired by this revolutionary athlete and feminist trailblazer!”
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Ilona Maher’s Popularity Has Soared Since The Olympics
Ilona Maher is the world’s most-followed rugby player on Instagram, boasting over 3.8 million followers.
She went viral during the Olympics after hitting an opponent with a stiff arm that had fans urging NFL teams to get her on their roster and has more than doubled her following on said platform after her appearance in Paris, going from around 1.5 million to the aforementioned number.
It appears fans will be seeing a lot more of her given this latest development. SI has also promised a reveal set to drop this Wednesday.
