Ilona Maher shares 4-word reaction as Paris Olympics celebration photo gets featured among ESPN's 'Best Photos of the Year in Women’s Sports'

American union rugby player Ilona Maher recently shared her reaction as ESPN featured her among the best photos from 2024.

As 2024 concluded, ESPN shared some of the most historic moments in the women's sports circuit from various disciplines. The post featured several athletes such as Sha'Carri Richardson, Simone Biles, Aryna Sabalenka, Gabby Thomas.

Notably, the post also featured the Paris Olympics bronze medalist, Ilona Maher. In the post, Maher can be seen donning the United jersey during a match. ESPN's Instagram handle remarked in the caption:

" Some of the best photos of the year in women’s sports"

Maher shared her photo in the story and reacted with a cheeky comment. She wrote:

"My cheekbones go crazy"

Screenshot of Maher's Instagram story feat her reaction to ESPN's post (Image via:Maher's Instagram handle)

Ilona Maher had a superb year in 2024 where she not only made a name for her sporting heroics but also for her time at "Dancing with the Stars" where she finished as the runner-up. Additionally, she was also featured on the cover of the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

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World Rugby Chief Alan Gilpin heaps praise on the inspiring journey of Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher donning a denim jacket and black cap during the Dancing With the Stars rehearsal in Los Angeles (Image via: Getty Images)

Ilona Maher recently got some appreciation from the chief of World Rugby, Alan Gilpin. This comes just a few months after Maher signed a deal with the PWR team Bristol Bears for a period of three months with the aim of preparing better for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.

In a press meet, Gilpin stated that the aspiring young rugby players have started framing their own identities similar to what Maher has done. He also said that Maher has a unique nature and her journey inspires several other women around her to get involved in the sport. He said (via FootBoom):

"We recognize that these extraordinary young women are entering the sport with engaging personal narratives and strong personalities, seeing rugby as a superb platform to establish their own identities, much like Ilona has done. Ilona is truly one of a kind, paving the way for other women in the sport, yet we also have a plethora of remarkable talents set to grace the tournament next year. "

The Women's Rugby World Cup is scheduled to be held between August 22 and September 27. Maher's United States is in Pool A, along with England, Australia and Samoa.