"Me? The girl who plays rugby?" Ilona Maher on being called "America's Sweetheart"

Ilona Maher shed light on how she felt when called 'America's sweetheart' despite playing a sport like rugby. Maher won the rugby sevens bronze at the Paris Olympics and captured hearts with funny and empowering content on social media.

Ilona Maher amassed 6.9 followers on TikTok and Instagram (combined) for her stereotype-breaking content, including funny skits and motivational talks. Besides her rugby skills on show at the Paris Olympics, the 29-year-old normalized wearing makeup for her matches to embrace femininity despite being associated with masculine sports.

Following the Games, she graced the Swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated, posing in bikinis and even topless with the bronze medal around her neck. Since then, Maher has also been turning heads with her dance moves and lifting skills at the Dancing With the Stars alongside professional dancer, Alan Bersten.

She recently emulated Luisa Mirabel's look and personality from Encanto, a Dinsey feature film. Shortly after, she stunned in Hollywood-inspired looks, dressing up as Marilyn Monroe from 1953's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes for People Magazine.

In a conversation with People, the two-time Olympian addressed being called 'Ametrica's Sweetheart', saying:

"I think when people say America's Sweetheart, I'm like, ‘Me? the girl who plays rugby?’ Okay, I'll take it. I am honored. And I like that we're changing [who is] considered [a] role model for kids," she said.

Maher graduated with a nursing degree in 2018 and a master's degree in Business Administration from DeVry University in 2022.

Ilona Maher on what pushed her to compete at the Olympics despite knowing that millions had eyes on her

Ilona Maher on the bronze podium at the Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 4 - (Source: Getty)

Since Ilona Maher also gained fame for her social media presence, people had their eyes fixed on her rugby performance at the Paris Games. However, the attention didn't bother Maher since she played for her teammates and the program.

"It was important for me to know why I play and that I was playing there for my teammates. I wasn't just playing for the now-millions of people that were watching me, but I was playing for my teammates. I was playing for my program, and that gave me something to really ground myself," Maher shared. (via People)

Maher and her DWTS partner Alan Bersten recently attended the NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams. Amid the event, the rugby player hilariously confirmed that she was ready for love and opened options for anybody who wished to pursue her.