Dupont's social media rival inspires next generation
SPOTLIGHT: USA Women’s Sevens forward Ilona Maher emerged as one of the biggest social media stars at the Paris Olympics.
Boasting 1.7 million TikTok followers – with her social media video views attracting up to five million after promoting positive body imagery – Maher is seen as a magnet for young female fans of the game that organisers hope to expand to new markets.
Her presence on social platforms are supercharging the games’ profile ahead of Los Angeles 2028.
Despite French superstar Antoine Dupont being one of the pin-ups of the Olympics – he is still a distance from Maher in terms of social media stardom.
“Ilona is without a doubt a superstar of these Games. Full stop,” World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin told AFP.
“She is rugby’s most followed athlete, has a following that’s greater than most, if not all of the household names in Paris, and attracted an extra 300,000 Instagram and 100,000 TikTok followers overnight.”
The Paris Olympics gave Maher a further social media boost – following a social media video about body shapes posted after the opening ceremony – receiving nearly five million views.
“As the Olympics officially start today, I want you to take a look at all the different body types on display,” she said.
“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 or sprinter.
“All body types are beautiful and can do amazing things. So truly see yourselves in these athletes and know that you can do it too.”
View the video below:
With the next Olympic Games taking place in Los Angeles – organisers are hoping to use the Paris edition as a springboard following record attendance seen for women’s matches, and Maher is a key ally.
Maher had a near-capacity Stade de France crowd on their feet when she smashed through a bruising double hit in the USA’s 24-12 semifinal loss to eventual champions New Zealand.
Maher and her USA side got their redemption after a shocking last minute 14-12 victory over pre-tournament favourites Australia in the bronze medal match – which the USA celebrated like gold.
The cameras were on her almost immediately as she embraced her teammates and she was the first to the TV interviews.
Whilst being proud of her online stardom – she said it was crucial to give a performance on the biggest stage.
“It’s important that people don’t think: ‘oh, she’s funny online, but can she deliver?'”
“It was important for me to show that, yes, I am funny, but I’m also the real deal. I’m a very good player,” she said.
Celebrities becoming womens’ Sevens fans
Maher grabbed Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce during the games – lightheartedly co-opting him as a fan of the womens’ game in the USA – where American football dominates.
In a video that quickly went viral – Maher appointed Kelce – brother of Travis who’s famously dating global megastar Taylor Swift as a new superfan for the womens’ game.
Another celebrity on the scene supporting team USA was rapper Flavor Flav to add even more star power.
For World Rugby – Maher is a valuable asset as they build up the game ahead of Los Angeles 2028.
“She resonates with young fans and the ‘Ilona effect’ is supercharging the visibility of the sport in the US and beyond,” said Gilpin.
Maher gave simple advice for the likes of Dupont should they want to compete with her on the social media battleground:
“I just don’t know if they’ve figured out the secret sauce. And I don’t know what the secret sauce is, but I think it’s just like, whatever you see online is truly me in real life,” she said.
“I’m authentic and I think people can relate to that.”
