Olympic Medalist Ilona Maher, 29, Stuns in Slinky Black Dress: ‘I Just Keep Getting Hotter'
Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher—best known for her breakout role in the Paris 2024 Games and her stunning Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover—is celebrating her 29th birthday with confidence, gratitude, and body positivity.
The bronze medalist and Bristol Bears athlete, known for proudly flaunting her curves and athletic physique, took to social media to mark her big day with a personal and empowering message about aging.'I swear I just keep getting hotter as I get older. I like this whole aging thing. It's really an honor to make it to another year. Can't wait to see what 29 brings. One more year in my twenties,' Maher wrote in her birthday post.
In the series of photos shared with fans, Maher stuns in a form-fitting black dress that highlights her strong, sculpted frame—leaving fans raving over her look with comments like 'perfection, no notes.'
Maher rose to fame during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, not only for her performance on the field but also for her outspoken advocacy for women's sports and body positivity. She further cemented her star status on Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars, where she made history as the first rugby player—and first female contestant—to lift her male partner, pro dancer Alan Bersten. The pair reached the finals, finishing as runners-up behind The Bachelor's Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson.
As Maher embraces 'one more year' in her twenties, fans continue to celebrate her for being a fierce athlete, role model, and inspiration to young women everywhere who are learning to celebrate their strength and bodies.Tap here to see Ilona Maher's birthday post.
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Olympic Medalist Ilona Maher, 29, Stuns in Slinky Black Dress: 'I Just Keep Getting Hotter' first appeared on Parade on Aug 12, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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