Olympian Ilona Maher Shines on DWTS Stage

Olympian Ilona Maher is eager to demonstrate that there’s much more to her than just her impressive rugby career, which earned her a bronze medal. The 28-year-old recently appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated's digital September swimsuit issue. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she expressed that winning the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars would showcase how female athletes can achieve anything they aspire to, both on and off the field.

Maher stated, “I think it’ll just show what I’ve been trying to say, which is that female athletes are much more than their sport and the stereotypes associated with it.” She emphasized the importance of showcasing her body type and its beauty in diverse settings.

Having represented the United States in the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, Maher is the first rugby player to compete on Dancing With the Stars, joining fellow Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik, also known as Pommel Horse Guy. Interestingly, the two medalists did not meet until they started the show. Maher remarked, “We didn’t get to talk at all,” but she is optimistic about their shared athletic backgrounds, believing both are prepared to put in the hard work required for success.

Her dance partner, pro dancer Alan Bersten, acknowledged that there’s little crossover between rugby and dance. He joked about possibly incorporating the pasa doble but noted that Maher’s competitive spirit and eagerness to learn are already evident in their rehearsals. “I can’t stop smiling,” he said, expressing excitement for the season.

Maher mentioned that their practice sessions mainly involve repeating the same moves until they improve, gradually building her confidence with each attempt. Bersten added that they enjoy their time together, noting that their four-hour rehearsals pass quickly. They even take fun selfies during breaks.

As Maher continues to progress, she believes her growing confidence will shine through on the dance floor. The 33rd season of Dancing With the Stars premieres on September 17 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.