“I’ve Cried Almost Every Day”: Olympic Medalist Ilona Maher Gets Emotional While Rallying Fans Ahead of Epic Rugby Rivalry Showdown

“I hate when people just say that about me. Oh, she’s just an Instagrammer,” Ilona Maher shared in a recent episode of her YouTube podcast, House of Maher. But is that really all she is? Absolutely not — and she made that very clear. “First of all, I’m an Olympic medalist. First of all, I’m a great rugby player.” Her voice didn’t waver — she was standing her ground. “But people sometimes forget about that and just put me in that box.” Well, Ilona has never been one to leave a fire burning without trying to put it out. She doesn’t walk away from a challenge. Whether it’s on the rugby pitch or in the space of public perception, she fights for her truth. But even the strongest warriors feel the weight of it all sometimes. And lately, that weight has been visible…

On April 18, Ilona posted a heartfelt post on Instagram, her caption raw and honest: “Been a little down this week. I haven’t really posted or felt creative. But in the wise words of Megan Thee Stallion, ‘bad b!tches have bad days, too’ and I stand by that. I still feel off.” Then came the part that truly hit home: “I guess I just want to remind you all to reach out and talk to someone. It doesn’t make you weak. Look at me; I’ve cried almost every day this week, and I’m still super strong. Take care and be kind to yourself.”

There it was — the duality of strength and softness, resilience and realness. Ilona Maher isn’t just an Instagrammer. She’s a fighter, a medalist, a teammate, a leader, and yes, someone who sometimes feels broken too. And that’s exactly what makes her whole. Not just through the words, she has been proving this again and again through her activities. Look what she has done in the post-Paris Olympics period. 

After clinching bronze for Team USA in Paris, Ilona wasn’t content to just bask in the glow of her medal and a bouquet of flowers. No, she had bigger plans. Instead of staying on her ground, she stepped onto a whole new stage: Dancing with the Stars. Partnered with Alan Bersten, she twirled, leapt, and quickstepped her way into America’s hearts, smashing stereotypes and redefining what strength and grace could look like on national TV. When the final votes were counted, she walked away as runner-up—but in the eyes of many, she’d already won. But Ilona wasn’t done breaking barriers.

In December, the 28-year-old shocked the rugby world by signing with the Bristol Bears to compete in England’s prestigious Premier 15s league. Stepping away from the electric pace of rugby 7s—her home turf—she dove headfirst into the bruising world of 15s. And as always, she didn’t just adapt—she conquered.

According to a viral tweet from sports journalist Sarah Randell, Ilona’s arrival at the Bears sparked a phenomenon. Game attendance for the women’s squad skyrocketed by 103%. But it wasn’t just about the numbers—it was who showed up. The crowd swelled with young women, aged 25 to 30, filling stadium seats and lighting up online spaces. Ilona had become more than an athlete—she was a movement.

Still, not everyone applauded her rise. With bold moves came backlash. Critics questioned her decisions. Pundits doubted her switch. Haters tweeted. But she pressed on, unbothered, unstoppable. And now, the stakes are even higher. With an epic game on the horizon, Ilona is fighting a battle not just on the field, but within. She’s steadying herself, gathering every ounce of grit and grace again.

Ilona Maher calls the fans to attend the rugby game 

“You know where I need you to be next Saturday,” Ilona Maher declared, resharing World Rugby’s announcement like a call to arms today on her Instagram story. The post was clear: USA vs. Japan, April 26, at Wallis Annenberg Stadium. The battlefield is set. The energy? Already crackling.

History leans red, white, and blue. In their last three showdowns, the U.S. women’s rugby team has had Japan’s number—two wins and a draw. But don’t let the record fool you. This isn’t a guaranteed repeat.

Team USA isn’t exactly storming in with blazing form. Outside of their performances against Japan, Ilona Maher’s squad has stumbled, dropping three recent games. Japan? Almost the same story—moments of fire dimmed by inconsistency. So what does that mean for Saturday?

It means this game is wide open. It means the Wallis Annenberg Stadium won’t just witness a game—it’s going to feel like a pressure cooker. Two proud teams, evenly matched, both desperate to make a statement. And at the heart of it all? Ilona Maher. Fierce, focused, and rallying the crowd like only she can. So yeah, she’s right: You know where you need to be next Saturday. Because this one could be epic.