Wed Nov 27 01:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Rugby Olympian Ilona Maher’s Star Power Soars From Bronze Medal to “Dancing With the Stars” Semi-Finals

**LOS ANGELES, CA** – Ilona Maher, a bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics for the US Women’s Rugby Sevens team, is proving her versatility extends far beyond the rugby pitch. The 28-year-old athlete has become a viral sensation, captivating millions online with her humorous social media presence and body-positive advocacy. Now, Maher is poised for another potential victory as she competes in the semi-finals of “Dancing With the Stars” alongside partner Alan Bersten.

Maher’s journey to stardom began with her impressive rugby career. A three-time National Intercollegiate Rugby Association champion, she holds a nursing degree and an MBA. Her online popularity skyrocketed after the Tokyo Olympics, fueled by engaging content and witty responses to body-shaming comments. One particularly viral TikTok video, garnering 8.4 million views, saw her cleverly address criticism of her weight, highlighting the limitations of BMI as a measure for athletes. Her combined TikTok and Instagram following now exceeds 7 million.

Maher’s “Dancing With the Stars” participation has further cemented her status as a pop culture icon. The pair have become fan favorites, praised for their innovative choreography, chemistry, and gender-bending lifts that utilize Maher’s impressive physique (5’10”, 200 lbs). Memorable performances, including a Disney night tribute to Encanto’s Luisa Madrigal and a steamy Halloween Tango, have sparked widespread online discussion. While fans speculate about a romantic connection, Maher maintains their relationship is purely platonic.

The “Dancing With the Stars” semi-finals air Tuesday, November 18th, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+. Fans can vote for Maher and Bersten online or via text message. Whether she takes home the mirrorball trophy or not, Ilona Maher’s meteoric rise from Olympian to multi-platform influencer is a testament to her talent, charisma, and powerful message of self-acceptance.

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