"Best of Best" - Ilona Maher names Simone Biles, Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky as her best picks in individual sports

American union rugby player Ilona Maher recently named her favorite athletes from individual sports. Maher herself has a cult fan base in the rugby circuit and an immense social media following, which grew exponentially after she clinched the team bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics.

In a recent conversation with BBC, Maher compared rugby to individual-focused sports such as gymnastics and swimming. She heaped praise on Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and Katie Ledecky, referring to them as the "best of best".

She further added that despite her rugby skills, there are a lot of other top players in the rugby 7's circuit who are equally potent. She said (via BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast at 8:17):

"You know, Simone Biles and Michael Phelps are the best in their sports, Katie Ledecky, they're the best of best in their sports. I play a sport like rugby, which is, you know, more team sport, more subjective in a way."

She further added:

"And realistically I am amazing in rugby but I am maybe not the best which is fine. I think there are so many great athletes like Portia Woodman and Maddi Levi who are just solid Rugby 7's players. "

Ilona Maher and Simone Biles have a great bond and were spotted together before Maher's campaign at the 33rd edition of Dancing With the Stars. Maher, Biles, and Ledecky also competed for USA in their respective disciplines at the 2024 Paris Games.

Bristol Bears' coach Dave Ward shares his thoughts on recruiting Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher (in blue) at the 2023 Rugby Sevens World Cup Championships in South Africa (Image: Getty)

Bristol Bears Women's team head coach Dave Ward recently spoke about the immense prowess of Ilona Maher. This comes just a week after the American's recruitment to the Premiership side.

In an interview, Ward claimed that Maher would bring a very different approach to the table and also termed the American as a 'fantastic ' player. He said (via BBC),

"I think she is going to be devastating. You've got a fantastic rugby player there. She is going to be a massive asset to our game and give us a completely different dynamic."

Ward has been the coach of the side since 2021 and recently signed a deal to stay with the club until 2027. During the conversation, Ward also said Maher's speed in the league would shock fans. Maher will start her Bears campaign in January and is expected to stay there for three months as per the contract.