Ilona Maher, the Team USA Rugby Sevens bronze medalist, has not only wowed audiences with her athleticism and grace on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) but has also captured the hearts of viewers, including some of her youngest fans. One such fan, a 4-year-old named Evy, left Maher emotional and deeply touched by her support during the show’s semifinal round.
Evy, watching the semifinal performance with her mother, was full of excitement as she clapped and cheered for Maher. The young fan’s exuberance was evident as she pointed to the screen and shouted, “Woohoo. I’m going to be like her when I grow up. Look at her, mom. Go Ilona, Go Ilona. Get it, girl. She was Louisa.” This enthusiastic praise for Maher’s performance showed how much the young girl admired her, and it wasn’t just about Maher’s dancing skills. When Evy’s mother asked her why she loved Maher, Evy responded with a simple yet powerful answer: “Because she looks so beautiful.” But when her mother pressed further, asking if Evy wanted to grow up to be like Maher, the child’s response was even more heartwarming: “Yes. She’s strong, she’s kind, she’s smart, she’s everything.”
Evy’s emotional and thoughtful words were a testament to Maher’s influence, not just as an athlete and dancer, but as a role model. The video of Evy cheering Maher on was shared by the rugby star herself on Instagram, where she captioned it, “The cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” As the video ended, Evy sent heart gestures to Maher, cheerfully shouting, “Go, queen.” This innocent display of admiration was one of the many moments that showed the deep connection Maher has made with fans throughout her time on DWTS.
Maher’s DWTS journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her semifinal performances, which included a passionate Pasodoble to the orchestral version of “Unholy” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras, and an elegant Viennese Waltz to “Golden Hour” by JVKE, were a true testament to her growth as a dancer. The Pasodoble earned Maher her first perfect 10 from judge Derek Hough, alongside nines from the other judges, while the Viennese Waltz pushed her score even higher, securing two more 10s and a nine. These impressive scores solidified her place in the finale and marked a personal best for Maher this season.
The support Maher received during her journey was not limited to her young fans. Her dance partner, Alan Bersten, played a crucial role in her success, and Maher took to Instagram to express her gratitude. In an emotional post, she dedicated her performances to Bersten, writing, “I wanted to dedicate this dance to the best partner I could have hoped for on this show, Alan.” She continued, acknowledging the challenges they faced together: “This experience has been one I will remember for the rest of my life with fondness because of what you made it for me. It has not always been easy, and I still can’t figure out how to finish my arms, but every hour with you in the studio has been a pleasure.” Maher’s genuine appreciation for Bersten highlighted the teamwork and dedication that went into their performances.
As the season draws to a close with the finale set for November 26, Maher’s impact on Dancing with the Stars remains undeniable. Her ability to inspire viewers of all ages, especially young girls, to embrace their strength and pursue their dreams is a significant part of her legacy. Whether on the rugby field or the dance floor, Maher’s journey showcases not just her athletic prowess, but her resilience, humility, and unwavering dedication. It’s clear that her time on the show has been more than just about competition it’s been an opportunity to inspire others, particularly young fans like Evy, who see her as a role model for strength, kindness, and intelligence.
