Ilona Maher captured the hearts of fans while competing as part of Team USA’s women’s rugby team during the 2024 Olympics in Paris. As she dazzles viewers on season 33 of Dancing With the Stars, many are curious about the roots of this talented athlete. Who are the family members that shaped her journey? In this article, we dive into the life of Ilona Maher, exploring her family background, her siblings, and the unwavering support she received from her loved ones.
Ilona's journey began in Burlington, Vermont, where she was born in 1996 to Michael and Mieneke Maher. Her father, Michael, played rugby at Saint Michael’s College, likely influencing Ilona's passion for the sport. Meanwhile, her mother Mieneke, a dedicated nurse, has played a crucial role in nurturing Ilona's ambitions and supporting her athletic endeavors.
As we delve deeper into Ilona's life, we will uncover how her family dynamics, including her two sisters, Olivia and Adrianna, have contributed to her success both on the rugby field and the dance floor. Olivia's rise to prominence as a content creator and Adrianna's work as an Individual Giving Coordinator for MADRE in New York City highlight the diverse talents within the Maher family. Let's explore their stories!
Who Are Ilona Maher’s Parents?
Ilona Maher was born to parents Michael Maher and Mieneke Maher in Burlington, Vermont, in 1996. Mieneke works as a nurse in Vermont, while Michael is a former rugby player who previously played at Saint Michael’s College.
Does Ilona Maher Have Siblings?
Ilona has two sisters, Olivia and Adrianna, and she is the middle child of her family. Olivia is a popular content creator, and she even coined the term “girl dinner.” In 2023, she went viral on TikTok after she made a video about women eating minimal-effort meals for dinner.
“A girl just came on here and said how, like, in medieval times peasants had to eat nothing but bread and cheese and how awful that was — and she was like that’s my ideal meal,” she said in the clip. “I call this ‘girl dinner’ or ‘medieval peasant.’ ”
Meanwhile, Adrianna works as an Individual Giving Coordinator for MADRE in New York City, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Ilona Maher’s Family Was Supportive of Her at the Olympics
Prior to the 2024 games, Mieneke spoke to Vermont’s WCAX about supporting Ilona in Paris. “I have the honor of being the mother of three amazing children, but also have the extra label of being an Olympic Olympian’s mother is very cool,” she told the outlet.
While Ilona also competed in the 2020 Olympics, her family was unable to attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Just watching the team and your daughter run out onto the field is exhilarating. And I just can’t imagine what it’s going to be like for me to watch her run out into an Olympic stadium,” the proud mother of three continued.
“I think my heart’s gonna be pounding, I’m unable to sit. I can never see, I’m always a mover and I can’t do that,” Mieneke jokingly said about watching Ilona play in the Olympics. “I get very nervous because you want always the very, very best for your child.”
In addition to praising her daughter’s athletic achievements, Mieneke also reflected on her daughter serving as a role model to young girls. “Having Ilona be an advocate for mental health, ultimately, you know, body positivity … I think it’s amazing,” she said.
Ilona Maher Is Very Close With Her Siblings
While Ilona and her family were in Paris, she spoke to People about her relationship with Olivia and even pulled her into the interview. “She’s right over there, girl dinner inventor. Come here, come say hi for a minute. This is the inventor of Girl Dinner. She’s my manager, my boss, my everything. She does it all,” Ilona told the outlet in August 2024.
Olivia then jokingly agreed that she was Ilona’s “idol.”
Ilona Maher's journey showcases the power of family support in achieving one's dreams. With her parents' nurturing guidance and her sisters' unique talents, Ilona continuously inspires many across the globe.
