Ilona Maher: A Social Media Star and Olympic Medalist

During the summer games in Paris, Ilona Maher of the US women’s rugby sevens team celebrated not only her team’s historic bronze medal win but also her burgeoning social media presence. Maher, who has gained significant recognition online, believes her influence extends beyond the medal, aiming to showcase the multifaceted nature of women. “I can be all these things and I can build a social media presence and I can wear lipstick when I play,” she stated, emphasizing the diverse identities women can embody. Maher played a crucial role in securing the United States' first Olympic medal in rugby, with her standout performance against Japan making headlines. Her spontaneous social media content, often created in collaboration with her teammates, reflects her genuine personality. “I can barely wait to post things,” she shared, highlighting the authenticity of her online interactions. In addition to her athletic achievements, Maher has partnered with brands like Secret Deodorant, ensuring her teammates are included in promotional efforts. “They wanted to include my team and showcase rugby in a different sort of light,” she noted, underscoring her commitment to elevating her teammates alongside her own brand. The bronze medal victory has further amplified Maher’s influence, as she has noticed an increase in viewership for rugby and followers on social media. “The cherry on top just to show that it needs to be taken seriously as a sport and as athletes was the medal,” she concluded, reinforcing the importance of recognition for women in sports.