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Who is Ilona Maher, the U.S. Olympic women's rugby star?

Team USA

U.S. women's rugby star Ilona Maher took the 2024 Paris Olympics by storm with her dynamic performances on and off the field -- ultimately earning a bronze medal. A TikTok favorite, she's made her mark on social media with behind-the-scenes videos at the Summer Games. Now, she'll be taking her skills to the dance floor as a cast member of the 33rd season of "Dancing with the Stars."

Her popular Paris videos have covered:

Maher previously garnered attention at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with her videos on:

Apart from her social media fanfare, Maher has an accomplished athletic pedigree and career:

  • Father played rugby at Saint Michael's College

  • Began playing rugby at 17

  • Played rugby at Quinnipiac College for 3 years

  • Awarded the MA Sorensen Award for National Player of the Year in 2017

  • Olympics: 2024 Paris Olympics - Bronze medal; 2020 Tokyo Olympics - 6th (Team - Women)

  • World Championships: 2022 - 4th (Team - Women); 2018 - 4th (Team - Women)

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