Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher graces the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine.
The 28-year-old, who will lead the US team to its first ever Olympic medal in rugby sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics, posed in a daring bikini on the cover of the magazine’s digital September issue.
Maher was standing on what appeared to be a pier, with her hands behind her head, smiling and wearing red lipstick. In addition to the cover photo, there was another photo of Maher wearing a royal blue string bikini.
USA Rugby’s Ilona Maher. Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated
In an interview for our cover story, Maher spoke about what rugby has taught him about himself.
“I’m glad rugby has shown me what I can do,” Maher told the magazine. “I’ve seen how capable my body is and that it’s not just a tool to be looked at and objectified.”
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day said her cover debut was a “celebration of her athletic achievements” and a “powerful message.”
“Ilona is a modern-day role model of strength, conviction and integrity, as well as an example of inspirational human fortitude,” Day said in the article. “Her ability to break down barriers on and off the field resonates deeply with women around the world.”
USA Rugby’s Ilona Maher. Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated
He continued, “Ilona’s appearance on the cover represents a shift in the narrative – one that celebrates not only physical ability, but the courage to lead, inspire and advocate for change. We couldn’t be more excited and inspired by this revolutionary athlete and feminist pioneer!”
Before and during the Summer Olympics, Maher became a voice for women’s athletics, mental health, and humor, and now has more than 6 million followers across TikTok and Instagram combined.
Maher hasn’t been shy about calling out haters on social media either.
In a July TikTok video, Maher fired back at a commenter who said her BMI was 30.
“I know you were trying to make fun of me but here’s the truth: My BMI is 30. 29.3 to be exact,” Maher shared on TikTok. “I’ve been considered overweight my whole life.”
The Olympian said he is 5’10” tall and weighs 200 pounds, the only two measurements used to calculate BMI. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered “overweight,” while anything over 30 is “obese.”
But the Cleveland Clinic points out that the numbers are quite limited and known not to be an accurate indicator of health and fitness, especially for people with high muscle mass, such as athletes.
“I don’t base my decision on what’s in my head like you do, I base my decision on facts, so I’ve talked to a nutritionist,” she continued in the video, referring to the commenter. “We talked about how[BMI]is not very useful for athletes.”
“BMI doesn’t tell you what you’re capable of. It doesn’t tell you what you’ll do on the field, it doesn’t tell you how healthy you are,” Maher continued, “It just puts some numbers together. It doesn’t tell you how much muscle you have or anything like that. So, my BMI is 30. I’m considered overweight.”
“But unfortunately, I get to go to the Olympics and you don’t,” Maher added in a final diatribe against online trolls.
After beating Australia to win the U.S.’s first Olympic rugby sevens medal, Maher celebrated with a giant croissant, posting a video of himself eating it on a Paris street on TikTok that has been viewed millions of times.
“Mmhmm,” Maher said in the video, with the bronze medal hanging from her neck, calling the giant pastry “a little treat, something to pick me up.”