Ilona Maher Shines as U.S. Rugby Sevens Team Advances in Paris Olympics

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Ilona Maher, a standout player for the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team, has captured significant attention on social media as her team progresses to the semifinals at the Paris Olympics. The 27-year-old athlete has not only made an impact on the field but has also engaged fans online, notably through a humorous video where she recruits retired NFL center Jason Kelce as a super fan for the No. 4-ranked U.S. team. Maher’s social media presence extends beyond recruitment; she and her teammates have gained millions of views with entertaining TikTok videos. These clips feature the athletes testing out cardboard beds in the Olympic village, showcasing their creativity and camaraderie through CPR demonstrations, yoga, and playful antics. Her posts often include fellow players like Nicole Heavirland, Naya Tapper, and Sammy Sullivan, highlighting the team spirit. In her advocacy for body positivity, Maher promotes the hashtag #beastbeautybrains, aiming to celebrate diverse body types and elevate the visibility of women’s sports. Her impressive speed on the field, exemplified by a remarkable run to score against Japan, reinforces her message that all bodies are capable of extraordinary feats. As for the competition, the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team has advanced to the semifinals, defeating Britain 17-7 in the quarterfinals. This victory marks a significant turnaround, avenging a previous loss to the British team during the Tokyo Olympics. The U.S. will now face defending champions New Zealand in a highly anticipated match.