From Paris 2024 and the SI Swimsuit cover to “Dancing with the Stars” and a contract with the Bristol Bears, Ilona Maher’s life has changed dramatically in less than a year. She tells CNN how it feels to become “America’s sweetheart.

Ilona Maher, an Olympic rugby player, has recently sparked controversy following her interview with CNN's Christina Macfarlane. When Maher denied experiencing imposter syndrome, Macfarlane persisted in questioning her,

You automatically assume I must not feel that I am deserving of where I’m at? ... You think they’re asking NFL players, male politicians if they have imposter syndrome?’

Ilona Maher became a quick international sensation at the 2024 Paris Olympics thanks to her relatable social media videos and the United States women's rugby team winning a bronze medal, the first Team USA rugby Olympic medal in history.

"It's OK to believe you deserve something because you put in the work for it," Ilona Maher said in the viral clip.

Laura Loomer, a close ally of President Trump’s and a far-right activist, asked the president to intervene as she continues to accuse billionaire Elon Musk of censoring her account on his social media platform X. “It’s outrageous,” Loomer wrote Wednesday in a post on X. “I worked my a‑‑ off to help President Trump get…

Fans have come to the defense of Team USA rugby fan favorite Ilona Maher on social media following an awkward exchange during an interview with a CNN anchor.