Ilona Maher's Stellar Run and Social Media Influence Elevate Women's Rugby Sevens

Ilona Maher, a prominent member of the U.S. women's rugby sevens team, takes to social media to promote the sport. Her standout performance at the Olympics, alongside notable moments from her teammates, has brought significant attention to women’s rugby. Maher emphasizes the importance of visibility and recognition for female athletes.

Ilona Maher often takes to TikTok and Instagram to promote the U.S. women's rugby sevens team. On Sunday at the Olympics, she showcased her skills by fending off a defender in a solo run to the tryline, offering one of the most memorable moments in the team's opening win over Japan.

Maher, who became a social media sensation during the Tokyo Olympics with her engaging takes on athlete life amidst the pandemic, believes that earning a medal in Paris could significantly boost the sport's profile. Notably, Maher saw the presence of recently retired NFL star Jason Kelce as an opportunity to attract attention to the sport in America.

The women's rugby sevens tournament saw defending champions New Zealand, 2016 gold medalists Australia, and the U.S. and France all finishing Sunday with two wins each, securing their spots in the quarterfinals. Maher's impressive play and commitment to promoting female athletes underscore her drive to elevate women's rugby.

(With inputs from agencies.)