Entertainment
Olympian Ilona Maher Transforms Pop Culture Presence on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Olympian Ilona Maher has emerged as a pop culture sensation this year, captivating audiences both on and off television. Known initially for her prowess on the rugby field, Maher played a pivotal role in securing a bronze medal for the U.S. Women's Rugby Sevens team during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. In addition to her athletic achievements, Maher has also become a social media influencer, known for her humorous posts and advocacy efforts for women in sports.
Maher’s foray onto the popular reality competition series «Dancing with the Stars» has only further cemented her appeal. Paired with professional dancer Alan Bersten, Maher has advanced to the semi-finals, showcasing not just her dancing abilities but also her charismatic stage presence. This season, Maher and Bersten have turned traditional gender roles on their head, with Maher lifting Bersten in acrobatic moves that have thrilled audiences. Together, they have become fan favorites, inspiring many to tune into the competition for the first time in years.
A graduate of Quinnipiac University, where she achieved multiple accolades in rugby, Maher also holds a master’s degree in business administration from DeVry University. Her debut with the U.S. national rugby sevens team came in 2018 at a Women’s SVNS tournament in Paris. Beyond her athletic skills, Maher gained a measure of internet fame due to her outspoken nature on body positivity, responding to body shaming with confidence and educating audiences on the limitations of the Body Mass Index (BMI) for athletes.
On «Dancing with the Stars,» Maher has embraced a variety of roles, from paying homage to fictional strongwomen like Luisa Madrigal from «Encanto» to dazzling audiences with her performances that highlight both her strength and femininity. Her and Bersten’s on-stage chemistry has also fueled fan speculation about a potential romance, though both maintain that their relationship is purely platonic, marked by camaraderie and mutual respect.
The pair have successfully charmed judges and viewers alike, performing stunning routines such as a quickstep tribute and an innovative «Instant Dance,» which were pivotal in earning them a spot in the semi-finals. This achievement coincides with the competition’s milestone 500th episode, a testament to the enduring popularity of the series. Maher, who admits to being a long-time fan of «Dancing with the Stars,» expressed her honor at participating in such a celebrated season, alongside a partner whom she regards as a strong ally and friend.