Ilona Maher and her Dancing with the Stars partner Alan Bersten were considered underdogs when Season 33 premiered in September. However, after demonstrating remarkable improvement, Maher has advanced to the finals alongside her mirror ball-winning mentor. Now, just hours before the Season 33 finale, Maher and Bersten have pulled at their fans’ heartstrings.

The dancing duo shared what may be one of the final behind-the-scenes clips from their rehearsal with an emotional message. “We might miss us just as much as you will,” Ilona Maher wrote in the caption of her Instagram post featuring Bersten. In the clip, the pair enacted their version of a viral audio clip, where Maher hugged her mentor.

However, this wasn’t the only video where the duo lamented their DWST stint nears its end. Yesterday, Ilona Maher posted a similar video post rehearsals. “No matter what happens. Forever grateful to have partnered with you,” the Olympic bronze medalist wrote in the video subtitle as Bersten hugged her. Maher even planted a peck on the pro-dancer’s head.

“Wouldn’t have wanted it any other way,” the rugby seven star wrote in the caption. The posts made the pair’s fans emotional as well, with some posting dramatic reactions in the comments. “How are we supposed to get through Thanksgiving without you two?!” read one of the most liked comments from Maher’s post.

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten have also fostered a close friendship throughout the show. Beyond being her mentor and partner, Bersten has been a pillar of support for Maher as she worked to build her confidence as a dancer. While the Olympian, who made history for Team USA, believed she had the potential to dance, turning that belief into reality required immense dedication and effort.

How Alan Bersten helped Ilona Maher embrace dancing

Long before winning Team USA’s first Olympic medal in women’s rugby and joining Dancing With The Stars, Ilona Maher faced vocal critics. Many online commentators didn’t hold back in discouraging her or pressuring her to conform to traditional beauty standards. While the 28-year-old confidently clapped back at her detractors, she still felt nervous before making her DWTS debut.

However, Alan Bersten had her back. Whether it was about posting their behind-the-scenes rehearsals, building her confidence, or helping Maher in her body positivity cause, Bersten was there every step of the way. “He was like, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s get it out there for people,” said Ilona Maher when it came to posting their dance clips on social media.

The Olympian explained her intentions to participate in DWTS before Season 33 premiered. “I definitely wanna continue my body positivity and body appreciation message… This is kind of my new goal it to show that all body types can dance,” the Vermont native told GMA. Alan Bersten was all in to help Maher reach her goal and prove the doubters wrong.

The fact that she made it to the DWTS finale, is a testament to the fact the pair’s work paid off. “You have improved so much, and you truly are a dancer now!” the 30-year-old wrote in his tribute to Maher post their semifinal performance. Even Judge Carrie Ann Inaba recognized how Ilona Maher has improved as a dancer. “You are the one who has come the furthest,” said the DWTS judge, proving that Bersten’s faith in his partner was not misplaced. What’s your take on Maher and Bersten’s DWTS journey? Write your views in the comments.