Ilona Maher is really owning it lately, shining on the rugby field for Team USA one moment and then lighting up the dance floor on Dancing With the Stars the next. At just 28, this Olympic medalist is grabbing every opportunity that comes her way, but there’s so much more to her story. As a passionate advocate for women, she’s also a true friend who really understands the importance of having each other’s backs. A few months ago, a very good friend gave her a special gift, and now, just three months later, that same friend brought her to tears with a heartfelt moment that really hit home. But how?

Recently, Ilona Maher shared a heartwarming story on Instagram featuring a photo of herself with Tom Daley, Britain’s most decorated diver, who boasts five Olympic medals. After making his return to the Olympics in Paris, he snagged a silver medal alongside Noah Williams in the men’s synchronized 10m platform. In the story, Ilona captioned their posing pic with, “Happy retirement to a true (goat) 🐐,” hinting at the celebration they were having together after the Paris Games wrapped up. It looks like she’s enjoying every moment with him as he starts on this new chapter!

Back in August, after the Paris Olympics wrapped up, Tom Daley tearfully announced his retirement in an emotional interview with the BBC. The beloved athlete, who proudly held five medals—one gold, three bronze, and a shiny new silver from Paris—was clearly moved as he talked about this big change in his life. “It’s hard to talk about; it’s emotional,” he shared, really capturing the bittersweet moment of stepping away from a sport that had been his world since he was just 14.

Tom Daley expressed how excited he was to spend more time with his family, especially his kids, Robbie and Phoenix, saying, “I want to be with my family…and just feel a bit normal for a couple of days.” But it sounds like Tom has some other plans in store, too, as he looks forward to embracing new adventures beyond diving! In the spirit of creativity, one memorable gift captured the heart of the fellow Olympian…

Tom’s crochet gift made Ilona Maher shine!

Tom has other plans, too, as he dives into life after diving—he wants to explore his passion for fashion design. He’s signed up for a course at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, where he hopes to sharpen his sewing skills and kick off some exciting new projects, including a line of swimwear. But even with all these changes, he took a moment to make a heartfelt gesture that really brightened a friend’s day. During the Olympics, Tom became a fan favorite not just for his impressive performances but also for his adorable crochet hobby, which he enjoyed in between competitions.

On Instagram, in August, Tom shared his latest crochet project: a cute little medal pouch made just right for holding an Olympic medal. In a touching video, he explained that he had been crafting these pouches for many of his fellow Olympians but had one special friend in mind—Ilona Maher. “I’ve been making these medal pouches for all the medalists on our team, but there was someone special I wanted to make one for. I brought it to the closing ceremony, and I finally found her—Ilona, the legend,” he shared with genuine warmth.

Ilona later proudly displayed the bag during her guest appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers; showing the crocheted circles joined in a pattern of blue stripes resembling the French flag was a delightful touch that symbolized their shared memories and close connection forged during the Games. A moment that truly resonated with them both!