"4 months since I got hit"- Ilona Maher opens up transition after runners-up finish at DWTS to signing with Bristol Bears 

Ilona Maher recently signed to compete with the English Rugby Club Bristol Bears after the conclusion of Dancing With the Stars. The American athlete partnered with Alan Bersten and participated in the dance reality show, where they finished second in the finals after an incredible run through the 33rd season of Dancing With the Stars.

Maher opted to go out of her comfort zone and participate in Dancing With the Stars weeks after winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Despite not having any previous experience as a dancer, she took up the challenge, and fans loved the steady improvements in her performances as the season progressed.

She spoke about being in the process of transition after the conclusion of the show as she returned to rugby after being away from the sport for about four months. Ilona Maher revealed that the transition would be a little challenging as dancing and rugby are different. However, she expressed her excitement about returning to the field after singing with the Bristol Bears.

" I'm excited, I'm also nervous. I've taken some time off. I think four months or so since I've gotten hit so. All I have been doing is dancing which is different than rugby but I am excited to get back to you know where my roots are and how this all started and what's gotten me to this point," she said.

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Ilona Maher on her Dancing With the Stars Journey

Ilona Maher at the Champions Park - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 5 - Source: Getty

Ilona Maher took to Instagram to speak about her journey on Dancing with the Stars after the conclusion of the show. The Olympic medalist was emotional as she bid goodbye to the sets. Moreover, she expressed that she was proud of her growth in the past few months.

"First day in the studio➡️ Last Day in the studio What a wild, intense, insane ride it has been. I met so many fantastic people and had the experience of a lifetime," she wrote.

"Turns out, I’m not a natural ballroom dancer, but I’m so proud of myself for how I’ve improved and to where I’ve come. These are two very different people in these photos. Thanks for embarking on this journey with me. Ilona over and out," she added,

Furthermore, she thanked her fans for their constant support and expressed her gratitude for being able to receive the opportunity to go out of her comfort zone and participate on such a global stage.