From Olympic medal to runner-up finish at Dancing with the Stars: Ilona Maher reflects on her "spectacular" year

This week, Ilona Maher celebrated a successful 2024. She described the year as impressive and marked significant achievements, including her medal at the Paris Olympics and her stint on Dancing with the Stars.

Taking to Instagram, the rugby player shared memories of her remarkable year, accompanied by a caption reflecting the milestones.

"2024 you were downright spectacular," Ilona Maher wrote.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 28-year-old played a pivotal role as the US rugby sevens team secured the bronze medal after beating Australia. Following her success in the Games, she was featured on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition cover in August 2024.

In addition to her athletic endeavors, Maher competed in the 33rd season of Dancing with the Stars, partnering with American professional Latin and ballroom dancer Alan Bersten. The duo finished as runners-up.

In November 2024, the bronze medalist was featured on the cover of People magazine. The headline read, "America's sweetheart is having a Hollywood moment."

After DWTS, Maher signed with Bristol Bears for the upcoming Premiership Women's Rugby season. Her presence across various platforms and her humorous videos helped her gain significant social media popularity.

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Ilona Maher reveals her approach to self-care amid busy schedule

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

In a video by Parade on YouTube, Ilona Maher shared her approach to self-care as the year draws to a close. Reflecting on a whirlwind 2024 that included the Olympics, her participation in Dancing with the Stars, and numerous media appearances, the star rugby player highlighted her commitment to staying present and embracing the moment instead of constantly looking ahead:

"Even as a little kid, I'd get so excited for what's happening next and not actually enjoy where I'm at. I think, work hard, but in those moments when I can take rest, take the rest, and do what I need for my own mind, body, and soul, because I have found it's been very busy after this Olympics. I mean, I have been living off a suitcase. I haven't actually been really home at all. So, just to take care of myself." (0:21 onward)

Maher also said she wants to prioritize self-care in the upcoming year, acknowledging the demands of a similarly busy schedule.