ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

'The body I wish I’d seen on this mag as a young girl' - Ilona Maher praised following Sports Illustrated shoot

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Monday Sep 2, 2024

Rugby sensation Ilona Maher has recently been featured on the front cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue for the first time. The talented American is seen to pose in an elegant swimsuit, with the tagline ‘Beast. Beauty. Brains.’ behind her.

ADVERTISEMENT

The USA Olympic bronze medal winner has gained almost 1m followers on Instagram alone since her exploits in Paris, bringing not only the game into the American landscape but also a universally recognisable global role model.

Ilona’s exploits, alongside her tireless teammates, have brought rugby to the attention of many high-profile Americans, including former first lady Michelle Obama.

Just recently, the 28-year-old confirmed her intentions to make the 2025 World Cup in England as part of the 15-a-side USA team in what would be a huge PR win for the tournament.

Despite her incredible successes and overwhelming fanbase, there are still some who look to bring her down for not fitting what some believe to be the ‘ideal female stereotype’. Whilst she claims that these comments don’t affect her personally, she does worry about what it could do to other young women who see these comments.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher)

ADVERTISEMENT

Countering these negative comments, Maher joked with journalist Liz Plank during the Sports Illustrated article, saying: “I do have a BMI of 30. Well, 29.3 to be more exact,

I am considered overweight. But alas, I’m going to the Olympics, and you’re not.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher)

ADVERTISEMENT

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day had the following to say about the star: “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,”

“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!”

Weighing in on her impressive athletic build, Maher added: “I was always like, you know, called masculine or whatever,”

“But I never felt that way. But I don’t think you’re going to bully the girl who could probably beat you up in a rage. I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is and it’s not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified.” 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher)

Fans have been thrilled with the strong female body representation in the recent issue, with Faith Dickey saying: “The body I wish I’d seen on this mag as a young girl.”

Andi Gutierrez noted the incredible impact that this strong rugby player was having on wider society, asking: “How many girls are going to be named Ilona in the next 5-10 years? Lots.”

While NoorJehan simply added: “This single-handedly is filling the void of the Olympics being over!! Such a bada$$!!!”

Read the full Sports Illustrated Swimsuit article here.

Related Articles

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    SA Rugby apologises to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union over HAKA

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    SA Rugby apologies for 'Haka interference' at Ellis Park

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    All Blacks star not impressed with Bok fans pre match antics



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All