Ilona Maher Is the Breakout Star of the Olympics
Every four years, we get a new fan favorite out of the Olympics. This year, the title is going to Ilona Maher, a rugby player on Team USA who also happens to be really good at TikTok. In addition to being a total beast on the field, Maher is churning out Olympics content like it’s her job (which it is). She’s done motivational posts, the requisite review of the cardboard beds, a fashion haul set to the Love Island voice-over, and tons of joke posts in between. She’s also found time to compete amidst her busy influencing schedule. So far, Maher has scored several impressive tries (that’s like a rugby touchdown) for Team USA. So what’s her deal? Here’s what you need to know.
Who is Ilona Maher?
Maher, originally from Vermont, is a center on America’s women’s rugby team. I won’t lie and say that I know a lot about rugby, but I think she’s pretty good? I saw this TikTok and became convinced that she’s one of the most athletic people in the world.
Speaking of TikTok, if you know Maher from anywhere, it’s likely your “For You” page. She has 1.6 million followers on the app, where she originally went viral for her content from the Tokyo Olympics. Now, three years later, she’s become one of the best posters in the Olympic Village. (Her only competition, in my mind, is that Norwegian swimmer who’s obsessed with the chocolate muffins in the dining hall.)
Ilona is not the only member of her family to become a viral sensation. Her sister, Olivia, is the person who coined the term “girl dinner.” The gift for posting is in their blood, I guess.
Is the U.S. women’s rugby team any good?
Respectfully, there are other countries that are a lot better at rugby than we are. In 2021, Maher and her teammates were knocked out of competition by Great Britain in the quarter-finals. On Monday, Team USA will play Great Britain in the quarter-finals once again, so we’ll see if they can turn things around this year.
Does Maher have celebrity fans?
Maher’s virality has yet to draw in Simone Biles–level crowds of famous people, but she’s managed to rub elbows with some A-listers. First up, there’s this funny video where Maher tells Coco Gauff she’s played pickleball.
She also met Snoop Dogg, who seems to be at every Olympic event.
Most recently, she hung out with a beret-wearing Jason Kelce, who proclaimed that he was a fan of the U.S. women’s rugby team. It’s a shame that the Chiefs are at training camp right now, because I have a feeling that Maher and Travis would really get along.
Can I get her face on a shirt?
Of course you can. I’m partial to the shirt that reads “Ilona Maher … Beast, Beauty, Brains,” but maybe the ’90s hip-hop/pro-wrestling vibe is more your style.