Ilona Maher makes her feelings known after breaking down in tears on Dancing With the Stars

Ilona Maher confirmed that she was okay and acknowledged she has to work a little harder to ace her dance routines. This came after the American rugby sevens player broke down in tears after losing the tempo during her jive performance for 'Hair Metal night' on Dancing With the Stars.

Maher garnered love from global fans for her rugby skills and advocacy for body positivity of women athletes at the Paris Olympics. In the French capital, she promoted femininity in female athletes and supported that by applying makeup before taking the field, while also tackling and throwing stiff arms. The US women's rugby team defeated Australia 14-12 to take the bronze podium at the Olympics.

Maher was named on the Dancing With the Stars roster following her Olympic success. The 28-year-old partnered with Alan Bersten and performed cha cha to 'Man! I Feel Like a Woman' on the reality show's premiere night. On October 8, 2024, the pair danced to "Cum On Feel The Noize" by Quiet Riot, but the rugby player broke down in tears after the judges pointed out several mistakes in her performance.

"This was a really tough dance for me, and this whole week's been really tough," she said.

On October 9, Maher took to her X handle to confirm that she was doing better and promised to keep working to improve her dancing.

"Love you all. I’m okay. Dancing is tough but I’ll keep working."

In 2018, Ilona Maher made her debut with the US women's national rugby union team and played against Japan. She also traveled to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as part of the American rugby sevens squad.

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Ilona Maher was the cover model of the September issue of SI Swimsuit

Ilona Maher at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Ilona Maher was welcomed by Sports Illustrated as the cover model of its September 2024 digital issue. The Olympic bronze medalist was photographed by Ben Watts while wearing a brown bikini at Fire Island Beach in Bellport, New York.

The September photo gallery also featured Maher in a Team USA vest and an almond-colored bikini with the bronze medal around her neck. In an interview with SI, Maher expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play rugby to inspire others.

"I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is and it’s not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified," Maher said (via Sports Illustrated).

Ilona Maher was hailed by SI senior editor MJ Day for her "ability to break barriers both on and off the field."