Ilona Maher Wins Bronze in Paris
- Ilona Maher, a U.S. rugby player and TikTok star, won a bronze medal in Paris.
- Her success in Paris followed a learning experience from a previous loss in Tokyo.
- The Tokyo loss reshaped her mindset and contributed to her success in Paris.
In a remarkable display of resilience, Maher and the U.S. women's rugby sevens team clinched the bronze medal with a thrilling last-minute victory over Australia on July 30. This achievement marks a historic moment, as it is the first time the U.S. has reached an Olympic rugby podium in a century, following the men's gold in 15-a-side rugby at the 1924 Games. Reflecting on her Olympic journey, Maher shared insights from her Tedx Talk, emphasizing the importance of the journey itself. Maher highlighted three key lessons learned from her experiences, particularly the significance of staying present. She noted that during the Tokyo Olympics, her eagerness for future successes overshadowed her ability to fully appreciate the moment. "I didn't get to fully appreciate my Olympics because I was so ready for the next great moment," she admitted. This realization came after a tough loss to Great Britain in 2021, which she openly discussed on TikTok, despite concerns from her family about sharing her feelings so publicly. Looking ahead to the Paris Games, Maher expressed excitement about the opportunity to connect with fans in person, a stark contrast to her previous experience. "We were just breaking barriers, and I think it was really cool to be able to spread my sport out there," she remarked. Although she did not secure a medal in Tokyo, Maher remains optimistic and focused on her journey toward future competitions.