Olympics Paris 2024: Social Media Sensation Ilona Maher Attracts U.S. Fans to Rugby
2024 Paris Olympics: Social Media Sensation Ilona Maher Draws U.S. Fans To Rugby
Ilona Maher, the standout center for Team USA Women’s Rugby Sevens, captivated audiences on Sunday with an impressive display of athleticism. During a scoring run against Japan, Maher executed a powerful stiff-arm play, showcasing her remarkable skills and drawing significant attention to women’s rugby in the U.S. The moment went viral, especially when Maher playfully recruited retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce as an official fan of women’s rugby. Kelce responded enthusiastically, stating, “I am officially a fan of women’s rugby, Olympics,” which was met with cheers from the crowd. Maher celebrated the endorsement with, “We got Jason Kelce!”
Kelce wasn’t alone in his admiration. Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry also praised Maher’s performance after watching a video of her run. He commented, “Oh yeah, she’s got it. Mindset, running strong and hard, not trying to go down. Get to the end zone by any means. I love it.” Maher continued to impress with a stellar performance in Monday’s quarter-final, helping Team USA secure a 17-7 victory over Great Britain.
As Team USA Women’s Rugby Sevens prepares for their semi-final match on Tuesday, the excitement and support for Maher and her team are palpable. This marks the first time either the men’s or women’s American rugby team has reached the Olympics semifinals.
Rugby Champion
Rugby Sevens – Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 2
From Burlington, Vermont, Maher first encountered rugby at age 17, finding a sport that perfectly matched her strength and competitive spirit. A natural athlete, she had previously excelled in field hockey, basketball, and soccer. Encouraged by her father, a former collegiate rugby player at Saint Michael’s College, Maher embraced rugby and quickly made her mark, winning three championships with Quinnipiac University. She earned a spot on the NIRA All-American team for three consecutive years and was honored with the MA Sorensen Award in 2017, recognizing her as the top collegiate women’s rugby player in the nation.
Following her senior season in 2018, Maher was named the Most Outstanding Player at the NIRA Championships. Shortly thereafter, she made her debut for the United States against Japan in Paris and has since competed for the U.S. in rugby sevens at both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Social Media Impact & #BeastBeautyBrains
Ilona Maher shared her Tokyo Olympic experience in a TED Talk, where she reflected on the highs and lows of competition and revealed how she used TikTok to offer a behind-the-scenes look at life in the Olympic Village. With a strong social media presence boasting 1.5 million Instagram followers and 1.6 million on TikTok, Maher leverages her platform to promote women’s rugby and advocate for body positivity. She proudly embraces the hashtag #beastbeautybrains, celebrating the blend of physical strength, beauty, and intelligence.
In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Maher tackled the negative stereotypes surrounding women in sports. She explained, “There has always been a divide, with people believing that if you play sports or are an athlete, you can’t be feminine. I feel that I can be a beast, play this very physical and aggressive sport, and still maintain my femininity while doing it.” By championing the #beastbeautybrains mantra, Maher challenges outdated stereotypes and showcases that strength and femininity can indeed coexist, reinforcing her commitment to breaking down barriers and celebrating the multifaceted nature of female athletes.
As the anticipation builds for the rugby medal matches at the 2024 Paris Olympics, all eyes are on Maher and Team USA Women’s Rugby Sevens, rallying support for a triumphant conclusion to their groundbreaking Olympic journey.
