Ilona Maher Gracefully Responds To Criticism After Fans Point Out Her SI Swimsuit Photo On Her Phone

Since becoming a viral sensation during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ilona Maher has been a champion of body positivity. The Team USA rugby player has helped prove that women can be strong, muscular, and beautiful. Ilona and Alan Bersten were fan favorites during season 33 of Dancing With The Stars, ultimately placing second. Ilona Maher also landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s September digital edition. It’s a feat she’s incredibly proud of and not afraid to show off.

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Eagle-eyed fans noticed in a recent video that Ilona appeared to have a photo of herself on a Pop Socket attached to her phone. She took to Instagram to let fans know they weren’t seeing things and that she is darn proud of herself.

“Yes, this is me,” Ilona said. “This is a photo of me from my ‘SI Swim’ photoshoot, and I look amazing.”

And she’s not kidding. We all know that in order to be featured in a swimsuit in Sports Illustrated, you have to be special, and Ilona Maher checks that box and more.

Ilona admitted that having her photo on her phone might be considered self-absorbed, but that’s not why she did it. “Maybe. Maybe it is. But when you look this good, it’s good to just keep looking at it,” she said.

For her, it’s a reminder to always be confident.

“Like you have a bad day, you’re like, ‘Aww, I’m not feeling too good.’ Then, BAM! Take a look at that. Look at her. She’s so pretty,” Ilona Maher said of her Sports Illustrated shoot.

Fans agreed that Ilona is an inspiration.

Like this person, “If only we all could love our bodies this much! What a different world for us and our daughters!!!!”

And this one. “Celebrating ourselves is the energy we need in this world – you are such a great role model. Every time you show up in my feed I’m like “YES! More of this!!” Such a breath of fresh air.”

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