Ilona Maher’s rugby career is a testament to her athletic prowess. Her towering figure that boasts an incredible 5 ft 10 height and her exemplary playing skills have made the rugby champion a force to be reckoned with in her game. However, beyond her on-field achievement, the 2024 Paris Olympic Rugby bronze medalist is celebrated for her playful and unconventional personality. She effortlessly combines her beastly rugby skills with a feminine charm, challenging stereotypes and inspiring millions.

Her Paris journey culminated in a nail-biting match against Australia, where her teammate Alex Sedrick ran 90 yards to score the game-winning try. Her efforts turned the 12-7 deficit into a 14-12 victory. It allowed Ilona Maher and her team to grace the podium for a historic bronze.

After her exceptional Paris Olympic run, where she helped her team win the first-ever Olympic medal, the rugby queen took up another adventure. Cementing her stance for body positivity, she clinched a spot in the 33rd season of the hugely popular show Dancing With the Stars. The show will premiere on Tuesday, September 17, featuring another Olympian, the U.S. gymnastics breakout star Stephen Nedoroscik, and Ilona Maher.

Ilona Maher is partnered with Alan Bersten as her dancing partner for the show. The duo has already begun their preparation to rock the show. Illona Maher is training hard to hone her dancing skills with Bersten and simultaneously document her preparation on Instagram. However, beyond her dancing preparation, the 28-year-old isn’t cutting her training for rugby either. Lately, she switched her role from being a dancing trainee to a workout trainer for her dancing partner, Alan Bersten.

On her Instagram story, she posted a video alongside her Dancing With Stars partner, Bersten, waiting for him for a workout session. When Bransten playfully asked if the rugby star was going to work out with him, she cheekily replied, “My element,” hinting about her training routine. However, she is giving everything in preparation for her upcoming adventure on the Dancing With The Stars sets. With the same unwavering determination she displays on the rugby field, she’s now fully committed to conquering the dance floor. Her indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence make her a formidable contender.

Besides Ilona Maher, who else will rock the dance floor on Dancing With the Stars?’

Dancing with the Stars has the most versatile lineup to be featured on the show. This year is no different. There are a total of 13 contestants in the 33rd season of “Dancing with the Stars,”  ranging from athletes, Olympians, TV and movie stars, and models. Danny Amendola, the wide receiver for the New England Patriots, will be there, and so will 8x NBA all-star Dwight Howard.

From the TV show stars, the list includes Netflix show “Inventing Anna” actress Anna Delvey, “King of the Gypsies” lead Eric Roberts, “Beverly Hills 90210” star Tori Spelling, and “Die Hard” character Reginald VelJohnson. The show will also feature “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Phaedra Parks and the “Zombies” franchise actress Chandler Kinney. Lastly, the show also includes the Sports Illustrated model and actress Brooks Nader. For Ilona Maher, Dancing with Stars might be a new avenue, but she is not a stranger to taking challenges or breaking the stereotype. Her stint on the face floor will undoubtedly be as spectacular as her prowess on the rugby field.