Ilona Maher and the United States women’s rugby sevens team made history earlier this week by clinching a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
After her new-found fame, thanks to her advocacy for body positivity and her comedic take on TikTok, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has announced that Olympian rugby player and body positivity advocate Ilona Maher is the new cover model for September 2024.
Article continues below advertisement
‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’ Names September 2024 Cover Model
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shared the latest magazine cover on their Instagram page, writing, “When we say #beastbeautybrains THIS is what we mean.”
“At just 28 years old, Ilona Maher has already made a name for herself both on and off the rugby field,” they added. “The Vermont native, who led Team USA to its first bronze #Olympic medal in rugby sevens at the Paris games earlier this summer, is breaking the stereotype of what it means to be a female athlete. “
Maher has been a huge advocate for body positivity, gaining recent fame thanks to her bold yet playful social media videos.
Article continues below advertisement
Ilona Maher Gets Ready For Bikini Shoot
After being named Sports Illustrated‘s latest swimsuit cover model, the Olympian shared a behind-the-scenes video of her preparation for the shoot. “How I got ready to do a bikini shoot,” she wrote over the video as fans watched her do several pull-ups.
“If you heard me count only 4 reps, you’re mistaken. It was actually 400,” she hilariously captioned the video.
The 28-year-old Olympic rugby player made her debut with a digital cover for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Wednesday, which editor-in-chief MJ Day describes as “a shift in the narrative.”
Article continues below advertisement
“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,” Day said. “We couldn’t feel more excited and inspired by this revolutionary athlete and feminist trailblazer!”
“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,” she added. “Ilona is a modern-day role model of strength, conviction and authenticity while at the same time displaying the indomitable spirit of an inspirational human. Her ability to break barriers, both on and off the field, resonates deeply with women everywhere.”
Article continues below advertisement
Ilona Maher Shares BTS Of ‘Sports Illustrated’ Shoot
In another post, Maher was seen sitting in a pool, sporting a red bikini and bright red lipstick, mouthing the words, “I will no longer be carrying photo ID. You know why? People should know who I am.”
“Me now that I’m a ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’ Cover Model,” she wrote over the video.
Flavor Flav saw the clip and commented, “WE ALL KNOW,” with several fire emojis.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Katie Austin welcomed Maher to the family. “So happy to have you in the SI fam your pix are INSANE,” she commented.
Article continues below advertisement
Ilona Maher Opens Up With ‘Sports Illustrated’ About Body Types
“I was always like, you know, called masculine or whatever,” Maher tells SI in her cover story. “But I never felt that way. But I don’t think you’re going to bully the girl who could probably beat you up in a rage. I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is and it’s not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified.”
She later spoke about the issue of salary equality between male and female rugby players.
“[Men] get to play rugby and they get paid millions of dollars while we make minimum wage and this won’t be a career for us,” she said. “I have teammates going into the workforce now, whereas these guys are down there and rugby’s it [for them].”
Article continues below advertisement
Ilona Maher Is A Huge Advocate For Body Positivity
The morning the 2024 Olympics officially began, the professional rugby player shared a powerful statement on social media advocating for body positivity. She stressed the significance of accepting all body types and urged her audience to embrace and celebrate their unique shapes and sizes.
“As the Olympics officially start today, I want you all to take a look at all the different body types on display,” she began in her video. “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 body types are beautiful and can do amazing things,” she continued. “So truly see yourself in these athletes and know that you can do it too.”
