"Even DWTS was always a no no" - Ilona Maher excited to embrace new challenges that 'scare' her after runner-up finish in the dancing competition

Ilona Maher revealed that she didn't want to compete on the 33rd season of Dancing With The Stars initially. The Olympic medalist eventually agreed and finished runner-up with pro dancing partner Alan Bersten.

Maher earned a call-up to the reality TV dancing competition following an impressive showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 28-year-old led the USA Rugby Sevens team to a maiden Olympic medal before embracing the DWTS challenge.

However, the two-time Olympic medalist wasn't ready for the challenge at the start and said it was a tough journey for her on the show. But after conquering her fears and finishing runner-up with former champion Bersten, she is excited to conquer her other fears.

“I was so excited to have done Dancing with the Stars. It was very tough, but I also feel like that was great. I did it. What can I do next? What's another thing that I could try? Another thing to check off and give a go? So it was amazing and I did so many cool things last year, but I am excited to try new things that I haven't even thought of yet that do scare me in a way,” Ilona Maher told People in an interview.

“I can't think of them now, but I know there's so much,” she added jokingly. “Even DWTS was always a no no, no. And then now when it came to me, we agreed to it and it was a great decision for me.”

The 28-year-old applied the learnings soon after the end of the 33rd season and signed a three-month contract with Premiership Women's Rugby club Bristol Bears despite not having played Rugby 15s since 2021. Her move is aimed at preparing for the 2025 World Cup, which will also be played in the United Kingdom.

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Ilona Maher conquered PWR on first full debut with Bristol Bears

Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears - Ilona Maher in action - Source: Getty

Ilona Maher made her debut off the bench for Bristol Bears against local rivals Gloucester-Hartpury in January. She played for 20 minutes but couldn't leave a mark as the Bears lost 17-40.

However, she redeemed herself and the team with an impressive performance on her first full PWR debut against Exeter Chiefs the following week. The Olympic medalist scored her first try and registered her maiden assist to help the Bears win 41-31.

The team took on Leicester Tigers at Ashton Gate next, and while they won 43-29, the American was involved in a rough collision and broke her nose. She will miss Saturday's game against Trailfinders and said that she needed more time to recover.