Dating in the spotlight is no easy feat! More so when you’re a two-time Olympian with a larger-than-life personality. Rugby sensation Ilona Maher, fresh off her bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics and a dazzling run on Dancing with the Stars, knows this all too well. Amid her whirlwind year of success, one question continues to capture public curiosity. And that is ‘What is Ilona Maher’s ideal partner like?’

Her answer might surprise you. And it comes particularly in light of some unexpected dating advice Maher received recently. The backstory? A lighthearted exchange on social media turned into a revelation about relationships with NFL players, thanks to two-time Olympic hurdler Fawn Dorr. And the piece of advice came after Maher jokingly lamented the lack of NFL players sliding into her DMs, saying, “Where have they gone?”.

Dorr, who trained alongside NFL players during her athletic career, responded to the post with a bombastic comment. “Respectfully, 99% are not dating material. There were a few good guys in there, but… not worth it”, stated Dorr. While on one hand, her statement raised eyebrows, it also added a new layer of intrigue to Maher’s take on finding “the one.”

In a recent interview with PureWow, Maher addressed fans’ calls for her to become the next Bachelorette. Ilona revealed what she’s truly looking for in a partner. “I’m not sure,” she admitted when asked about joining the hit dating show. However, she further added, “I really pride myself on being authentic and just being myself, and I feel like, at times, that show can spin things in certain ways.”

So, what does her perfect guy look like? The answer is refreshingly simple yet deeply telling. “He has to be kind, funny, finds me funny, and have good conversation,” Maher reflected. While it may sound straightforward, her list of non-negotiables highlights the importance of genuine connection. And the qualities that are on the list of Maher’s demands are something that fame or status alone can’t guarantee.

If her words, and experiences alongside Fawn Dorr’s cautionary words, are any indication, Maher isn’t settling for anything less than the real deal. The rugby star’s candidness is part of what makes her such a fan favorite. She’s not afraid to voice her honest opinion, be it about body positivity, the challenges of elite sports, or navigating the complexities of modern dating. A few weeks back, Maher revealed a few more glimpses of what she demands from her partner.

Diving into Ilona Maher’s love playbook

Olympian, model, and content creator Ilona Maher may be America’s sweetheart, but her search for love has been anything but a storybook. After emerging victorious in the DWTS stint, Maher recently opened up about her dating life, or lack thereof. She was caught candid about the qualities she’s seeking in a partner. Her playful quip about NFL players not sliding into her DMs might have sparked laughs, but it also raised some serious questions about what Maher truly values in a relationship.

“I’ve never really had somebody who’s come to my rugby games, who’s genuinely proud to see me shine,” Maher revealed, adding that she’s holding out for someone who isn’t afraid to celebrate her victories. The rugby sensation further highlighted, “I want someone who shows me off, supports me, and helps me grow.” With her schedule packed with training, modeling gigs, and content creation, she’s not rushing into dating apps just yet, but she’s crystal clear about what she deserves. It is someone who matches her energy and ambition.

Interestingly, Maher’s comments come amidst a broader conversation about athletes dating athletes. Two-time Olympic hurdler Fawn Dorr weighed in, claiming that most NFL players aren’t exactly ideal dating material. For Maher, the takeaway is clear. And that is, she’s not settling for anyone who doesn’t bring their A-game. As she puts it, “Could go for that”, but only if they’re truly worth her time.

With her sharp wit, clever words, undeniable charm, and grounded approach to relationships, Maher proves she’s not just an Olympic champion but also a role model in staying true to oneself. Whether on the rugby field, the dance floor, or in matters of the heart, Ilona Maher continues to win over fans.