Ilona Maher has already made a reputation for herself each on and off the rugby area.

Now, the Olympian provides one other feat as she makes a shocking debut as the quilt star of Sports activities Illustrated Swimsuit’s digital September concern.

“Ilona’s presence on our cowl symbolizes a shift within the narrative—one which celebrates not solely bodily prowess but in addition the braveness to guide, encourage, and advocate for change,” mentioned SI Swimsuit editor MJ Day within the September Difficulty, empowered by Maybelline. “We couldn’t really feel extra excited and impressed by this revolutionary athlete and feminist trailblazer!”

Maher joins names like Livvy Dunne, Angel Reese, and Naomi Osaka, who’ve all proven off their athletic figures for Sports activities Illustrated lately.

“Ilona Maher gracing the quilt of our September digital concern is greater than only a celebration of her athletic achievements—it’s a robust assertion,” Day added.

YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!!! @ilona_maher pic.twitter.com/zyrkm2yySj

— SunnyAnderson (Taylor’s Model😘) (@SunnyAnderson) August 28, 2024

The 28-year-old—who boasts 3.8 million followers on Instagram—turned one of the crucial standard athletes on the 2024 Video games. Her TikToks from the Olympic Village constantly garnered over 100k likes, and one video gained vital consideration when Maher responded to a commenter—who has since deleted their account—saying, “I guess that individual has a 30% BMI.”

“Hello, thanks for this remark. I believe you have been attempting to roast me, however that is really a truth. I do have a BMI of 30. Nicely, 29.3 to be precise,” Maher confidently replied in her video, which has been seen greater than 8 million occasions and favored over 1.2 million occasions.

A social media sensation, Maher has been an outspoken advocate for girls in sports activities and continues to problem stereotypes of feminine athletes.

“I used to be all the time, like, you already know, referred to as masculine or no matter,” Maher advised SI. “However I by no means felt that manner. However I don’t assume you’re going to bully the lady who may in all probability beat you up in a rage. I really like that [rugby] confirmed me what I can do. It confirmed me how succesful my physique is, and it’s not only a instrument to be checked out and objectified.”

Maher, who earlier this summer time led Workforce USA to its first bronze Olympic medal in rugby sevens on the Paris Video games, additionally spoke to SI concerning the wage disparity between female and male rugby gamers.

“[Men] get to play rugby they usually receives a commission tens of millions of {dollars} whereas we make minimal wage, and this gained’t be a profession for us,” she mentioned. “I’ve teammates going into the workforce now, whereas these guys are down there and rugby’s it [for them].”