Ilona Maher, the two-time Olympian and rugby sevens bronze medalist, has never been one to shy away from the spotlight—or the critics. Known for her powerhouse performances on the rugby pitch, the 28-year-old American star captured hearts at the Paris 2024 Olympics, helping Team USA secure a historic bronze. Yet, off the field, Maher has faced relentless body shaming, with social media trolls targeting her physique and weight. Now, Maher is turning the narrative around, celebrating a major personal milestone. How has this rugby phenom risen above the noise?

Well, for the second consecutive year, Maher graced the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, a testament to her resilience and influence. The 2025 issue, set to hit stands in May, features Maher in a stunning shoot photographed in Mexico. Her first SI Swimsuit appearance in 2024, fresh off her Olympic success, showcased her posing with her bronze medal, a moment that resonated with fans and amplified her message of strength and beauty. This year’s return underscores her growing status as a cultural icon, blending athletic prowess with unapologetic confidence. 

Moreover, the excitement around Maher’s SI Swimsuit 2025 feature has drawn high-profile support, none more notable than from LSU gymnastics star Olivia Dunne. Dunne, a fellow SI Swimsuit model and social media sensation with over 5 million Instagram followers, left an enthusiastic “Oh yea” comment on Maher’s Instagram post announcing the shoot. The post, shared on Maher’s verified account, featured a vibrant beachside shot and a caption teasing her pride in the project. Dunne’s endorsement, a nod from one Gen Z icon to another, amplifies the buzz, signaling Maher’s crossover appeal. 

Ilona Maher is redefining what it means to be a champion, from the rugby field to the pages of SI Swimsuit. Her ability to face backlash head-on while earning accolades from peers like Olivia Dunne proves she’s a force both in and out of the game. As fans await the May 2025 release of the SI Swimsuit Issue, Maher’s story of triumph over adversity resonates louder than ever. How will she continue to inspire the next generation of athletes and fans?

Maher is also now the new face of Coppertone

Ilona Maher, the rugby sevens bronze medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, is taking her star power to new heights as the face of Coppertone’s Unbeatable Performance campaign, announced March 3, 2025. The iconic sunscreen brand paired Maher with its Coppertone Sport 4-in-1 sunscreen, designed to resist sweat, heat, water, and UV rays—perfect for the 28-year-old’s grueling training sessions.

Coppertone lauds her, stating, “On the rugby pitch, Ilona is the epitome of Unbeatable Performance. She’s a fierce competitor who’s at the top of her game.” Maher, a longtime Coppertone user, shared, “Sunscreen has always been an essential part of my daily skincare routine, and choosing a trusted sunscreen like Coppertone Sport is so important to me.” With nearly 5 million Instagram followers, her role in recreating the brand’s iconic girl-and-dog pose amplifies sun safety. How does this partnership reflect Maher’s broader impact?

Maher’s collaboration with Coppertone, featured on social media and videos, celebrates her authenticity and resilience, embodying her catchphrase, “Beauty. Beast. Brains.” Tracy Feehan, Coppertone’s VP of Media Communications, said, “Ilona is an inspiration in so many ways, and really embodies the definition of what strength and performance means.”

From her Bristol Bears contract to her Dancing With the Stars runner-up finish, Maher’s influence transcends sports. She told Refinery29, “If you look in my rugby locker, you’ll see the Coppertone Sport spray,” highlighting its role in her sun-soaked San Diego practices. Available at Amazon, Walmart, and Target, Coppertone Sport mirrors Maher’s durability, making this partnership a slam dunk. What do you think is next for this rugby icon’s unstoppable rise?