Rugby Star Ilona Maher Has A MESSAGE For Her Haters

Ilona Maher is in her Olympic medalist era! The U.S. rugby star joins Access Hollywood's Scott Evans after her team's historic bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics and reflects on her journey. Ilona also reacts to newfound TikTok fame after her viral body positivity messages and shares how fans are helping her shut down the haters. Ilona goes on to reveal her ideal quality in a partner and raves over support from celebrities including Jason Kelce. And, the athlete receives a surprise cake from Access Hollywood celebrating her milestone achievement!

0:00 - Ilona Maher joins Access Hollywood's Scott Evans after her team's historic bronze medal win
1:31 - Ilona discusses making history and a $1M donation
2:40 - Ilona on body image and women's sports
5:40 - Life at the Olympics villa
6:41 - Dream date scenario
8:02 - Jason Kelce's support for Ilona
9:40 - Access Hollywood's gift to Ilona

Get More Access :

#AccessHollywood

"Access Hollywood" is an entertainment news show featuring Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans, and correspondent Zuri Hall. From exclusive celebrity interviews to breaking news and reality TV drama, we have all the celebrity news you need to know.

[DanielaRosas-ue]

I love how she makes sure she gives credit to her teammates and constantly gives shoutouts. This speaks volumes of the team's closure and who they are at heart. Ilona has been an incredible advocate and I hope she is given a larger platform to continue. Also, all these girls need some sort of sponsorship!

[josemartinez]

Ilona you are amazing. Congratulations !! to you and the entire Rugby team. Inspiring! Thank you!!

[mairedaly]

That woman is what we Irish call... 'The Craic'. She's such a blast.

[MrCravendish]

So glad Ilona is getting all the recognition she deserves! What a great ambassador for the sport and let's hope this enthusiasm for rugby in the US grows ahead of the 2031 men's world cup.

[vmangani]

A beautiful strong woman the kind that scares weak men and women.

[rikkiechambers]

I saw her video where the haters made her cry and it made so fucking angry then I saw the one from Paris about all body types participating in the Olympics and I just wanna hug her and then have a drink with her ! What and inspiring human and and awesome role model for millions of young women everywhere, thank you for bringing home a medal for team USA, but so much more thank you for showing the world what strong women can do, you fucking rock 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

[MrSpleenboy]

Beast on the pitch. Beauty off it. Great sense of humour. How can anyone not like this woman?

[TeWhero]

Casual rugby fans need to realise how big of a deal it is for the USA to beat Australia, Australia consistently finish in the top two in the regular circuit.

[anthonyedwards]

She seems like a really cool person with a joyous spirit.

[necroflowers]

Ilona, my 13 year old daughter is absolutely in awe of you. She never watched rugby before, and she watched the Olympics with me and fell in love with the sport. To her, you are a superhero. She wants to play rugby and she aspires to be a strong athlete like you! Thank you for putting yourself out there, in the media so young girls such as my daughter can have such powerful inspirations.

[PonyTailGoalie]

Shes so down to earth haha love her so funny congrats womens Rugby

[realpirate]

Self-confidence is the most attractive trait . Congratulations to your team, on getting the funding and showing the world how many things a woman can do and be . You shine ❤ #rolemodel

[sugarsalt]

I fully expect some sort of documentary movie about this team within the next decade!

[FRanceSource]

Ilona is a riot not to mention a brilliant Gold medal winner. So proud for her and those who love her. Magnifique!

[jamesmartin]

To the shitheads who have to say something about her not being, what, a supermodel? SHE PLAYS RUGBY!!! WTF did you expect? She's not fat or huge. She's SOLID. You know, like a RUGBY PLAYER!!!!

[nahaaniimataal]

Congrats from NZ to you Ilona and to the rest of the US 7s Girls...Well done!👍👍

[Lstanfield]

Why is it when someone excels in anything haters suddenly appear? Ilona is a beautiful and powerful young woman who has dedicated herself to being the best version of herself she can be. Her power and physical prowess is certainly evident. But that, in no way, diminishes her obvious beauty. I know she would be a person to admire and appreciate for her accomplishments even if she didn’t possess the beauty that she obviously has.

[TonyaS]

She’s a riot! Congrats to the US women’s team!

[hintex]

Ilona Maher is a total boss! So proud of her and the team's bronze medal win.

[melanieb]

1) Ilona is a legend. She is amazing both on and off the rugby pitch. 2) Scott Evans needs a raise for this interview alone. His genuine joy for her makes me smile. His questions were so thoughtful. Them making each other laugh was adorable. One of the best Olympic interviews I saw this year. Period.