hold on to your hats sports fans because Ilona Maher is here to shake things up Ilona Maher the PowerHouse of US Olympic rugby just made her stunning debut in the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue gracing the cover of the digital September issue she proves that strength and beauty go handin hand not just a star on the field Elona led her team to win their first ever Olympic medal in rugby at the Paris 2024 Olympics but she didn't stop there off the field she's a fierce advocate for gender equality in sports tackling issues like pay disparities headon her Sports Illustrated feature isn't just about looks it's a statement I was always called masculine but never felt that way she says elona's confidence and advocacy are inspiring countless others to push boundaries and shatter stereotypes follow her journey and join the movement Elona Maher is redefining what it means to be a female athlete