Ilona Maher Celebrates Olympic Bronze Win In 'Luxurious' Style

Ilona Maher and the United States women's rugby sevens team made history earlier this week after securing a landmark bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In a nail-biting match, the Americans pulled off a 14-12 upset against Australia, scoring the final points just as the clock expired. If the kick from Alex Sedrick hadn't been good, who knows what would have happened.

Luckily for Americans, the kick was good, and Ilona Maher and the United States women's rugby sevens team took home bronze.

Team USA's stunning upset over Australia allowed the Women's Rugby Team a spot on the podium.

"I know that these girls' lives are being changed by it as well because they heard about rugby on a girl from TikTok," Ilona Maher told "CBS Mornings." "So they decided to try out this club program and then they met their best friends there and now they're, you know, playing around, having the best memories. So, um, I'm honored and I just hope to keep exposing America to rugby."

This marks the first women's rugby medal for USA Rugby in Olympics history.

Following the win, Maher celebrated in style, wearing a bathrobe and popping a bottle of bubbly. "Cheers to Paris & all of you," she captioned the post, which gained over 128k likes and over 1k comments.

"Luxurious," one social media user commented as another expressed, "Nothing but the utmost respect for MY president."

"The red lipstick smudge on the wine glass is the cherry on top of these photos," a third said, referencing Maher's iconic and signature red lipstick.

"Proud of you, you Olympic medalist!" a fourth wrote.

On the morning of the official start of the 2024 Olympics, the professional rugby player shared a powerful statement on social media about body positivity. In her message, she highlighted the importance of embracing all body types and urged viewers to celebrate their own unique shapes and sizes.

"As the Olympics officially start today, I want you all to take a look at all the different body types on display," she began in her video. "All body types matter, all body types are worthy, from the smallest gymnast to the tallest volleyball player, from a Rugby player to a shot putter and a sprinter."

"All body types are beautiful and can do amazing things," she continued. "So truly see yourself in these athletes and know that you can do it too."

Earlier this year, Ilona Maher took to TikTok to share a candid moment from a game, spotlighting her cellulite. In a gesture that many might find "embarrassing" or "gross," she used the platform to challenge conventional beauty standards and promote body positivity.

“This is my leg from a past rugby tournament,” she said while pointing at the cellulite on her thigh. “I’m a literal Olympian. I’m a professional athlete. I run all day long. I lift weights all day long, constantly. And that is what my legs still look like.”

“I have cellulite everywhere,” Maher continued. “It is completely normal, completely natural. It doesn’t take away from your athletic ability or how fast or how fit you are. It’s just something that’s part of your body. We all have it.”

“Rockin' my cellulite,” she captioned the post.

Not only did this historic win secure Team USA's first Olympic medal in women's rugby sevens, but it also inspired a major investment in the future of the sport.

Following the team's remarkable achievement, businesswoman and sports team owner Michele Kang announced a generous donation of $4 million over four years to USA Rugby.

“This Eagles team, led by players like Ilona Maher and co-captains Lauren Doyle and Naya Tapper, has captivated millions of new fans, bringing unprecedented attention to the sport,” Kang said in a statement to USA Rugby, per the "TODAY" show. “I am so happy to support these outstanding athletes to realize their dream in capturing the gold in Los Angeles in 2028. That work starts now.”