Meet Ilona Maher: US Women’s Rugby Sevens Olympian and TikTok Star

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Rugby sevens star Ilona Maher has been a significant presence on social media as the U.S. women’s team advanced to the semifinals at the Paris Olympics.

Known for her funny TikTok and Instagram reels, as well as empowering posts about women and sports, Maher has gained a huge online following. She also makes impactful plays on the field at Stade de France, serving as a regular starter for the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team.

Recently retired NFL center Jason Kelce has even become a super fan of the No. 4-ranked U.S. team, thanks to a video Maher made after their first two games on Monday.

At 27, Maher is no stranger to the spotlight. Her humorous takes on village life during the pandemic-era Tokyo Olympics three years ago made her a breakout star of those Games.

Spectators were barred from Olympic venues in Tokyo, but that didn’t stop Maher. Her followers got an inside look at the Games through her social media posts, starting with a viral video where she and her teammates tested out the cardboard beds in the athletes’ village. The video, showing them performing CPR on the bed, doing yoga, and even throwing a mock tantrum, garnered millions of views.

In the current Paris Olympics, Maher is at it again with another video featuring cardboard beds. “Hey everyone, we’re back testing out the cardboard beds. My bed is going to break, yes, but I’m going to do it anyway,” she says, as she and her teammates wrestle on the beds, do gymnastics moves, and even perform Irish jigs.

Maher’s social media posts often feature her U.S. teammates, including Nicole Heavirland, Naya Tapper, and Sammy Sullivan. She also shares encounters with other famous personalities, like Snoop Dogg and U.S. tennis star Coco Gauff. One humorous post involved a person incorrectly guessing Maher’s sport, thinking she was a gymnast.

Maher uses the hashtag #beastbeautybrains to promote body image positivity and highlight women’s sports. She proudly showcases various outfits, from a U.S.-branded bikini to her rugby uniform and stylish Ralph Lauren formal wear.

Maher’s athletic skills are evident on the field. Her powerful stiff-arms fend off opponents, and her speed was on full display when she ran almost the length of the field to score against Japan. She’s also academically accomplished, holding a nursing degree, and aims to improve the financial prospects for professional rugby players.

She shared a message with her million-plus Instagram followers before the opening ceremony: “As the Olympics officially start, I want you all to take a look at all the different body types on display. All body types matter. All body types are worthy from the smallest gymnast to the tallest volleyball player, from a rugby player to a shot-putter and a sprinter. All bodies are beautiful and can do amazing things. So truly see yourself in these athletes and know you can do it, too.”

The U.S. women’s rugby sevens team advanced to the semifinal against defending champion New Zealand with a 17-7 quarterfinal win over Britain, avenging a loss to the British at the same stage in Tokyo three years ago.

Maher played a key role in the first try of the match, using her strength to fend off a tackler and release teammate Naya Tapper to score. She also made another significant run just before halftime to maintain the U.S. team’s momentum. Sammy Sullivan and Kristi Kirshe added second-half tries to secure the win.

Source: AP News