Swimsuit

Ilona Maher Flaunts Her Figure in Multiple Bikinis, Dances Along to Role Model’s Viral Hit

The Olympic athlete is our favorite ‘Sally’ while on set of her SI Swimsuit shoot in Barbados.

Ananya Panchal

Ilona Maher was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by TRUSSO SWIM.
Ilona Maher was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by TRUSSO SWIM. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Ilona Maher just gave fans a peek at her stunning SI Swimsuit year two styling—and reminded everyone why she’s a fan favorite both in the magazine and across social media.

The Olympian, who helped Team USA secure its first-ever bronze medal in rugby sevens last summer, shared a playful new video on Instagram, flaunting her sun-kissed glow, sculpted frame and trademark confidence as she sang along to Role Model’s viral hit, “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out.”

“Shooting with Sports Illustrated again to show that strong is still sexy,” read the on-screen text.

The track has become a standout moment at the artist’s shows, where one lucky fan (or surprise celebrity guest) is invited onstage to dance during the infectious chorus. And after seeing Maher’s latest post, it’s safe to say she’s our favorite “Sally,” owning the role straight from the shores of Barbados.

In the iconic reel, the Maybelline and Coppertone ambassador twirls, flexes and struts her way through a flawless lineup of swimwear. She models everything from sleek one-pieces and bold cut-outs to barely-there bikinis, all while exuding charisma and good vibes. Whether she’s tossing her hair or hitting a playful pose, the 28-year-old native channels the same dynamic energy that earned her the runner-up spot on Dancing With the Stars season 33.

“Thank you to @si_swimsuit for once again letting me showcase my strong, powerful body and for making me feel so beautiful,” she captioned the post. “For young Ilona wearing a bikini was once unthinkable but now I’d actually prefer to be prancing around in one. Stay sexy, folks.”

“This is healing multiple generations of women who experienced so much emotional trauma over the only bodies that were ever featured in magazines when we were growing up. You’re a queen and a hero to us!❤️❤️❤️❤️,” Diane Sanfilippo gushed in the comments.

“Redefining what power looks like on and off the rugby pitch 🔥🫶,” Adidas Rugby chimed.

“This is the energy I need going into this summer!,” Wendell and Leilani added.

The Vermont native and San Diego resident made her SI Swimsuit debut last September, starring on the digital issue cover after a shoot with Ben Watts in Bellport, N.Y.. The duo reunited in Barbados for her second feature, and her breathtaking photos will be featured in the upcoming May issue.

With her expert content creation skills and signature sense of humor, it’s no surprise Maher has quickly become one of the most beloved rising stars in both sports and fashion.

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Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.

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