The past few months have been nothing short of remarkable for Ilona Maher. The 28-year-old rugby star first made headlines by helping the United States women’s rugby sevens team secure a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, she’s captured the spotlight once again by gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated’s iconic Swimsuit Issue.
Sports Illustrated announced Maher’s feature on the cover of their September digital issue through Instagram on Wednesday morning, marking another milestone in her already impressive career.
“Ilona Maher gracing the cover of our September digital issue is more than just a celebration of her athletic achievements—it’s a powerful statement,” said MJ Day, editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. “Ilona is a modern-day role model of strength, conviction, and authenticity, while also embodying the indomitable spirit of an inspirational human. Her ability to break barriers, both on and off the field, resonates deeply with women everywhere.”
Day continued, “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. We couldn’t feel more excited and inspired by this revolutionary athlete and feminist trailblazer!”
Maher’s journey from the rugby field to the cover of one of the world’s most famous magazines is a testament to her influence and impact. With over 3.8 million followers on Instagram, Maher is the most followed rugby player globally, and she uses her platform to advocate for more than just athletic excellence. For Maher, rugby has been about much more than just competing on the world stage.
“I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do,” Maher said, reflecting on the sport’s impact on her life. “It showed me how capable my body is, and it’s not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified.”
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Maher’s cover shoot, which took place on Fire Island Beach in New York, is now live for fans to see. The feature not only highlights her physical strength and beauty but also underscores her role as a powerful advocate for women and athletes worldwide.
As Maher continues to break new ground, her story is inspiring countless others to redefine what it means to be strong, capable, and unapologetically themselves.
