Ilona Maher Makes History as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Star

Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher has made history by appearing on the cover of the September issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. The 28-year-old athlete, who played a pivotal role in leading the U.S. rugby team to its first-ever bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games, showcased her athletic prowess in a striking bikini on the magazine’s digital cover.

The captivating image features Maher smiling, with her hands behind her head and donning a bold red lip. In addition to her cover photo, she was photographed in a royal blue string bikini for the accompanying spread.

In her interview with the publication, Maher discussed the transformative impact of rugby on her life. She stated, “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.”

MJ Day, editor in chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, emphasized that Maher’s cover debut is not only a celebration of her athletic achievements but also a powerful statement. Day described Maher as a modern-day role model, highlighting her strength, conviction, and authenticity.

“Her ability to break barriers, both on and off the field, resonates deeply with women everywhere,” Day explained. “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.”

Leading up to and throughout the Summer Games, Maher emerged as a prominent voice for female athletes, mental health, and humor. She has amassed over six million followers across TikTok and Instagram platforms, where she has not hesitated to confront online critics regarding body image.

In a recent TikTok video, Maher responded to a comment about her body mass index (BMI). She candidly shared her measurements and emphasized the limitations of BMI as a health metric for athletes. Maher stated, “BMI doesn’t really tell you what I can do. It doesn’t tell you what I do on the field, how fit I am.”

Following her remarkable success at the Olympics, Maher celebrated by enjoying a pastry in Paris, humorously showcasing her bronze medal in a viral TikTok video.