Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher has garnered significant attention following her recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photoshoot. After helping the USA rugby sevens team secure a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Maher took to Instagram to share her swimsuit photos with a humorous twist.
In the post, she playfully invited followers to “spot the difference” between her photos and a surprise addition—an image of actor Danny DeVito wearing a similar outfit. The unexpected comparison drew laughter and reactions from fans, as well as fellow Olympians.
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Gabby Thomas, a decorated Olympic sprinter, quickly joined the fun, commenting, “Omg [laughing emojis],” adding to the lightheartedness of Maher’s post. Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn also responded with a series of laughing emojis, showing her appreciation for the playful nature of the post. The photo comparison highlighted Maher’s infectious sense of humor and her ability to bring levity to her role as a top-tier athlete.
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Maher, who was competing in her second consecutive Olympics, played a crucial part in the USA rugby sevens team’s success in Paris. The team’s journey to the bronze medal was no small feat, as they triumphed over Australia in a tightly contested 14-12 match. Maher contributed 15 points across six matches, making her the fourth-highest scorer for the USA squad. Though she ranked 30th overall in scoring, her contributions on and off the field have made her a standout personality.
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The USA’s rugby sevens team has been on an upward trajectory, and their bronze medal in Paris marked a historic achievement. The team, which had failed to medal in the previous two Olympics, broke through this year with a string of impressive performances. After advancing to the semifinals, they faced a formidable New Zealand team but ultimately fell short. In the bronze medal match, the USA made a stunning comeback against Australia, securing a memorable victory. Maher’s personality, athleticism, and humor continue to endear her to fans and fellow Olympians alike.
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