Ilona Maher, the rugby player and viral TikTok star, recently had an unforgettable moment on the set of her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot. Known for her confidence and down-to-earth personality, Maher once again showed why she’s so beloved online.
On August 28, Maher made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut, confidently rocking a series of daring swimsuits. However, one of these outfits led to a close call. On September 3, she shared a behind-the-scenes video of herself greeting the crew while wearing a black one-piece with a plunging neckline that almost resulted in a wardrobe malfunction.
As she greeted the team, the neckline of her swimsuit slipped dangerously low, but Maher expertly handled the situation. With a hand on her chest to prevent a nip-slip, she introduced herself with style and humor. “Welcome, please come in. I got a tit out, don’t worry about it,” she joked, extending one arm for a handshake while holding her chest with the other.
Maher captioned the video with, “How I prefer to greet people.” Her fans loved the candid moment, with one commenting, “This is how breastfeeding moms greet people,” while another added, “Sometimes you just gotta hold on to what matters!!”
Maher’s Sports Illustrated feature followed her bronze medal win with Team USA in rugby sevens at the 2024 Olympics. The magazine’s editor-in-chief, MJ Day, described her inclusion as “a shift in the narrative.”
In an interview, Maher, an advocate for women in sports, reflected on the moment’s significance. “I was always like, you know, called masculine or whatever,” she shared. “But I never felt that way. I don’t think you’re going to bully the girl who could probably beat you up in a rage. I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is, and it’s not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified.”
With her combination of strength, humor, and authenticity, Maher continues to inspire and entertain, proving that she’s not just a force on the field but also a role model for women everywhere.
