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5 Shocking Moments From Ilona Maher's DWTS Journey That Proved She's More Than A Rugby Star

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The ballroom often serves as a stage for unexpected transformations, but few journeys have been as compelling and physically demanding as that of Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher on Dancing with the Stars. Just months after securing a historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with the USA Rugby Sevens team, Maher traded her scrum cap for sequins, tackling the rigorous demands of professional ballroom dancing with her partner, Alan Bersten, in Season 33.

The transition from the brutal physicality of the rugby pitch to the graceful precision of the dance floor was a massive leap, yet Maher quickly became a fan favorite and a legitimate contender. As of this current date, December 21, 2025, her impressive run concluded with a stunning second-place finish, narrowly missing the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy and solidifying her status as a versatile athlete and a charismatic entertainer.

Ilona Maher: Full Biography and Career Profile

Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher OLY is an American professional rugby union player, social media personality, and reality television star who has captured global attention for her athletic prowess and engaging personality.

  • Full Name: Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher OLY
  • Date of Birth: August 12, 1996
  • Age (as of 2025): 29
  • Hometown: Burlington, Vermont, USA
  • College: Quinnipiac University (Won three National Intercollegiate Rugby Association - NIRA - championships)
  • Primary Sport: Rugby Union (Prop/Forward)
  • National Team: USA Rugby Sevens
  • Major Rugby Achievements: Olympic Bronze Medalist (Paris 2024), debut for USA Eagles (2018)
  • DWTS Season: Season 33 (2024)
  • DWTS Partner: Alan Bersten
  • DWTS Placement: 2nd Place (Runner-Up)
  • Post-DWTS Career Move: Signed with Bristol Bears (English club) to relaunch her 15s career in 2025.

The Shocking Transition: From Scrum to Samba

Maher's decision to join Dancing with the Stars Season 33 was announced shortly after her triumphant return from the Paris 2024 Olympics. The sheer contrast between her two worlds—the high-impact, mud-caked world of rugby and the polished, elegant environment of ballroom—was the first major shock of her journey. Many questioned if her powerful, muscular build, honed for tackling and sprinting, could adapt to the intricate footwork and fluid movements required for dances like the Cha-Cha-Cha or Viennese Waltz.

She addressed these concerns head-on, often using her platform to redefine feminine strength. Maher revealed that working with her professional partner, Alan Bersten, was a pivotal experience, stating that he "makes me feel feminine" and allowed her to explore a softer side of her athleticism. This vulnerability resonated deeply with viewers, turning her into a symbol of both physical power and graceful self-discovery.

The judging panel, consisting of Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, consistently praised her performance quality and her ability to absorb complex choreography. While her technique was raw at the start, her energy, charisma, and commitment to the character of each dance were undeniable. She quickly moved from a novelty act to a serious contender, consistently earning high scores that kept her safe from elimination.

Ilona's Top 3 Game-Changing DWTS Performances

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten delivered a series of memorable routines, showcasing her incredible work ethic and her ability to tap into the emotional core of a performance. These three dances, in particular, were game-changers that cemented her place in the finale:

1. The Instant Salsa (500th Episode)

In a high-pressure moment during the 500th episode celebration, Maher and Bersten performed an "Instant Salsa" to "Da'Dip" by Freak Nasty. The ability to learn and execute a fast-paced Latin dance with minimal rehearsal time is a true test of a celebrity's adaptability. Maher’s performance was explosive and fun, proving she could handle the intensity of the competition and thrive under pressure, much like a sudden-death play in rugby. This performance earned praise for its raw energy and entertainment value.

2. The Movie Night Transformation (Luisa from Encanto)

For Disney Night, Maher channeled the super-strong character Luisa from the movie Encanto. This routine was a masterstroke, as it directly acknowledged and celebrated her powerful physique. The performance allowed her to use her strength as an asset, delivering a powerful, theatrical routine that connected her athletic background with the storytelling of dance. It was a performance that truly felt authentic to her persona.

3. The Freestyle Finale: A Celebration of Feminomenom

Ilona and Alan saved their best for last, performing a high-energy Freestyle to "Feminomenom" in the Season 33 finale. This was the ultimate expression of her journey, a powerful, athletic, and joyful routine that earned her a perfect score of 30, her highest of the season. The dance was a bold celebration of female power and the idea that strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive. It was a perfect summation of her narrative, demonstrating the growth from a novice dancer to a ballroom powerhouse, and ultimately leading to her runner-up finish behind the eventual winner, Joey Graziadei, and his partner Jenna Johnson.

What’s Next? The Immediate Return to Rugby

The biggest update following her time on Dancing with the Stars is Ilona Maher's immediate and ambitious return to the rugby pitch. Instead of taking a break, she has already announced a significant career move that places her firmly back in the world of elite athletics.

In a major development for her career, Maher signed a three-month deal with the English club Bristol Bears in the Premier 15s (now known as the PWR) league, set to begin in January 2025. This move is not just a club transfer; it’s a strategic effort to relaunch her 15s (fifteens) career ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Rugby World Cup. Her time on DWTS, while a significant detour, appears to have only fueled her competitive fire.

Maher’s post-DWTS trajectory proves that her journey on the show was not an end but a powerful, high-profile interlude. The discipline, showmanship, and mental toughness she gained from the ballroom will undoubtedly translate back to the field. Her ability to captivate audiences on a global stage, coupled with her elite athletic talent, makes her one of the most exciting figures in both sports and entertainment today, ensuring that whether she is tackling opponents or performing a Tango, the world will be watching.

dancing with the stars ilona maher
dancing with the stars ilona maher

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