Every four years, the Olympics catapult athletes from relatively obscure sports into the limelight. A standout from the most recent games was Ilona Maher, who brought home a bronze medal for the U.S. in rugby sevens and is now competing on Dancing with the Stars for the coveted mirrorball trophy.
As she takes the stage on the dance show, fans are eager to know about her romantic life. Here’s what we’ve gathered regarding her current relationship status.
Ilona Maher shines in the spotlight after winning bronze in rugby sevens and now competes on Dancing with the Stars for the coveted mirrorball trophy
Is Ilona Maher in a Relationship?
It appears that Ilona is currently single, or at least she is keeping any romantic involvements under wraps. During her time in Paris for the Olympics, she shared several viral videos expressing her quest for love. In one amusing clip, she even mentioned planning a wedding after a chance encounter with a man at the Olympic Village, humorously referencing Love Island.
Her playful videos led to suggestions that she might be a fitting contestant for The Bachelorette, further amplifying her online presence. Given the substantial following she built during the Olympics, it seems likely that viewers will rally behind her on Dancing with the Stars.
Celebrating Her Athletic Form
With her newfound fame, Ilona also faced scrutiny, including baseless accusations about her gender identity from some online critics. She addressed these claims directly, standing firm in her comfort and pride in her physique. Ilona is not conforming to traditional gender norms and champions body positivity.
“All body types matter and are deserving of respect,” she declared in a video. “From the smallest gymnast to the tallest volleyball player, from a rugby player to a shot-putter or sprinter, every body type is beautiful and capable of extraordinary feats. See yourself reflected in these athletes and recognize that you can achieve greatness too.” Additionally, Ilona appeared in the latest Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, where she creatively featured her bronze medal.
While she seeks a romantic partner, Ilona is also committed to inspiring her followers and aims to leverage her social media fame into a full-fledged career in sports. She has already formed partnerships with several major brands and is actively pursuing ways to turn her rugby success into a sustainable career path.
Despite her impressive skills and athleticism, rugby still struggles for widespread recognition in the U.S. Thanks to Ilona’s influence, however, interest in the sport has grown over the past six months.
