Ilona Maher drops one-word reaction to Paralympic champion Tatyana McFadden’s second-place finish at NYC Marathon 2024

Ilona Maher recently reacted to the multiple Paralympic medalist Tatyana McFadden’s remarkable performance at the 2024 New York City Marathon. McFadden was brilliant as she finished second in the women’s wheelchair race, clocking a time of 1:58:47.

At the final World Marathon Major (WMM) of the season, McFadden finished only behind compatriot Susannah Scaroni, who clocked a dominant 1:48:05. With this, McFadden accomplished yet another notable top-three finish at the New York Marathon, having previously won the event in its 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2010 editions. This was her fifth second-place finish at the marathon running event.

Notably, Ilona Maher, a member of the USA rugby sevens team that won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, attended the 2024 New York Marathon (NYC). She gained fame for her performance at the quadrennial games and for being a social media sensation, inspiring many young girls.

Being a part of the NYC Marathon as the event’s confidence coach in partnership with Maybelline, Maher took to her Instagram Stories to react to Tatyana McFadden’s performance, addressing her as:

“Legend”

Screenshot of Ilona Maher’s IG story. Credits - Instagram/ @ilonamaher

She and McFadden were clicked together as a part of Maybelline’s campaign.

Take a look at the picture here -

Screenshot of Maher’s IG story (Credits - Instagram/ @ilonamaher)

Tatyana McFadden is an accomplished Paralympian, with a remarkable record of 21 medals, including eight gold, eight silver, and five bronze. She has also clinched 13 gold medals at the World Championships.

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Ilona Maher shares being inspired by New York City 2024 marathon runners

Ilona Maher is seen arriving to "Dancing with the Stars" rehearsals on September 25, 2024 (Picture via Getty)

Besides praising Tatyana McFadden, Ilona Maher, 28, expressed how she was inspired by the marathon runners as she watched them put in a great deal of effort to cross the finish line. In another story, she said, as captured in the video:

“The marathon is moving on smoothly. I’m getting inspired. I’m ready to cry. Everyone is just working their tails off. Running miles and miles. Makes me want to run but I won’t.”

Screenshot of Maher’s IG story. Credits - Instagram/ @ilonamaher

At the end of the 2024 NYC Marathon, Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui and the Netherlands’ Abdi Nageeye won the women’s and men’s elite races, respectively, by recording times of 2:24:35 and 2:07:39, claiming their first World Marathon Majors (WMM) titles.