Ilona Maher Strips Down forSports Illustrated Swimsuit: 'I Was Always Called Masculine, But Never Felt That Way'

Mar. 15, 2025

Ilona Maher for Sports Illustrated.Photo:Sports Illustrated/Ben Watts

Sports Illustrated/Ben Watts

Ilona Maheris getting herSports Illustratedcover moment.

Day also shared: “Ilona Maher gracing the cover of our September digital issue is more than just a celebration of her athletic achievements—it’s a powerful statement. Ilona is a modern-day role model of strength, conviction and authenticity while at the same time displaying the indomitable spirit of an inspirational human. Her ability to break barriers, both on and off the field, resonates deeply with women everywhere.”

Ilona Maher for Sports Illustrated.Sports Illustrated/Ben Watts

A social media sensation, the athlete has been an outspoken advocate for women in sports and continues to push back against stereotypes of female athletes.

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Il;ona Maher for Sports Illustrated.Sports Illustrated/Ben Watts

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With over 2 million followers on TikTok, Maher says that her viralonline personais authentic to who she is.

“It’s very much off the cuff. It’s kind of like, my teammates say I say my jokes twice — once to them, and then once to the world, so it’s just riffing,” she told PEOPLE at the Team USA house in Paris on July 31. “Whatever I am online is how I am in real life. [My teammates] keep me grounded, they keep me sane.”

“They tell me what’s right, what’s not, so they’re just the best,” she said of her teammates.

source: people.com