American rugby sevens sensation Ilona Maher has bid farewell to a spectacularly busy 2025 by sharing a vivid visual diary on social media. The Olympic medallist, whose year was a non-stop blend of elite sport, fashion, and advocacy, chose to let a series of powerful images narrate the story of her last twelve months.
A Visual Journey Through a Landmark Year
Maher posted a captivating 20-photo carousel on her Instagram, which she described as capturing a "spectacular" year. The cover image set a glamorous tone, featuring Maher in an elegant black gown, holding a champagne glass against a stunning sunset backdrop. In a stark and powerful contrast, the very next photo showed the athlete with a bloodied nose, a raw testament to the physical demands of her sport. This sequence perfectly encapsulated the dual nature of her life—one of glamour and grit.
The post arrives as Maher continues to significantly expand her influence beyond the rugby pitch. While rugby remains the unwavering foundation of her career, her forays into glamorous fashion, television appearances, and vocal advocacy have made her a multifaceted public figure. The Instagram carousel served as a highlight reel of her 2025, showcasing moments with friends, family, and at the pinnacle of her athletic pursuits.
Major Milestones and Crossover Success
The photos documented several key achievements that defined her year. One significant image featured Maher posing with her own Barbie doll, released by Mattel in October 2025, honouring her as a role model. Another snapshot celebrated her journey on the popular show Dancing With the Stars, where she finished as the runner-up and later toured with the cast.
Other highlights she shared included walking the runway at a major fashion event in Miami, the honour of winning the prestigious ESPY Award for Breakthrough Athlete, and a memorable meeting with Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai on a rugby pitch. Maher's public profile skyrocketed after she played a pivotal role in securing the United States its first-ever Olympic rugby medal—a bronze—at the Paris 2024 Games.
Her relatable and humorous behind-the-scenes TikTok videos consistently garner millions of views, further endearing her to a massive social media following. Adding to her portfolio, she has also graced the pages of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and appeared on national television, all while speaking openly about body positivity and the realities for women in professional sports.
WWE Speculation and Future Priorities
The year also saw Maher address swirling speculation about a potential move to professional wrestling. In August 2025, she confirmed to BBC Sport that she had been approached by the WWE while she was deep in preparation for the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
"I've been approached before by the WWE," she revealed, even joking about a potential ring name. While acknowledging the financial lure, stating "there is great money in it," she explained that any transition would be to support long-term creative goals in acting and scripted entertainment, citing paths like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and John Cena.
However, Maher left no doubt about her primary identity. "So many times people forget, but I am a rugby player first," she firmly stated. "I am proud to do both but I do want to be known as a rugby player."
As 2025 closes on a high note, Ilona Maher looks ahead, aiming to harness the momentum of an extraordinary year and achieve even greater heights in the one to come.
