U.S. rugby sensation Ilona Maher is proving that summer isn't over until she says it is. The 30-year-old Olympian, who captured hearts during the 2024 Paris Games, just dropped a pair of sizzling swimsuit shots on Instagram, and the internet is collectively fanning itself.
Maher, who helped Team USA clinch a historic bronze medal in rugby sevens, has been laying low lately, but her latest post is a reminder that she's still very much in the spotlight. The photos, which show the athlete soaking up the sun in stylish swimwear, have fans doing double takes.
“God, it’s me again, thank you for the gift of eye sight,” one admirer joked, while another confessed, “I stopped in my tracks.” A third simply declared, “SMOKESHOW.”
This isn't the first time Maher has turned heads with her fashion-forward choices. Back in September 2024, she was named a digital cover model for the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, a testament to her crossover appeal beyond the rugby pitch.
Her recent post has some wondering if a return to the SI Swimsuit pages is on the horizon for 2027. Given the enthusiastic response, it wouldn't be a surprise if the magazine comes calling again.
Maher's journey from Olympic medalist to reality TV star—she appeared on ABC's “Dancing with the Stars” after Paris—has made her a household name. She's also signed with the Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women's Rugby League, balancing her athletic career with her growing media presence.
The buzz around Maher's latest upload is part of a larger trend of athletes embracing their off-field personas. Just last week, tennis legend Ana Ivanovic's throwback swimsuit photo had fans reminiscing, while WNBA star Sophie Cunningham celebrated her 30th birthday with a similarly scorching snap.
Even the NFL world got in on the action when Sydney Warner, wife of 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, posted her own eye-catching swimsuit content. It seems like athletes and their partners are making waves both on and off the field.
For Maher, the attention is nothing new. She's used her platform to advocate for body positivity and female athletes, and her Instagram feed is a mix of training clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and glamorous shots. Her latest post is a perfect encapsulation of her brand: strong, confident, and unapologetically herself.
As the sports world gears up for another season, Maher's swimsuit snaps serve as a fun reminder that these athletes are more than just competitors—they're style icons, influencers, and trendsetters. And if her recent post is any indication, Ilona Maher is just getting started.
