Ilona Maher Tells Fans ‘Try Me’ While Owning The Poolside In Red One-Piece

Jan 13, 2026 - 16:15
Ilona Maher Tells Fans ‘Try Me’ While Owning The Poolside In Red One-Piece
Ilona Maher selfie
Instagram | Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher has never shied away from using her platform to challenge beauty standards, and her latest Instagram post is a powerful continuation of that message. The Olympic rugby standout, who recently expanded her reach beyond the sports world with her appearance on "Dancing With the Stars," has become a leading voice in the body-positivity movement. From the rugby field to the dance floor to social media, Maher has shown that athletic bodies deserve visibility and celebration, and her newest poolside photo is no exception.

Ilona Maher Brings The Heat Poolside And Warns Fans ‘Try Me’

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher)

In the snap, Maher lounges across a patterned pool chair at what appears to be a stylish resort, stretching her legs along the tiled walkway while striking a relaxed yet stunning pose. She rocks a vibrant red one-piece swimsuit, with striped umbrellas creating a chic resort vibe in the background. Wearing red-tinted sunglasses and leaning back with one arm draped casually behind her head, Maher gives off a confident, unbothered energy.

Maher kept the caption short but powerful, writing simply, “Try me.” The two-word statement was enough to send fans rushing to the comments, where admiration poured in almost instantly. Comedian Chelsea Handler chimed in with a playful, “Ooh La La,” while countless followers dropped fire emojis, heart eyes, and words of encouragement. One fan wrote that red is undeniably “her color,” while another thanked Maher for helping them feel more confident and unashamed of their own body.

Maher Makes Sports Illustrated History

Maher’s confidence-forward moment follows her headline-making appearance as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit digital cover star, where she was celebrated under the banner “Beast. Beauty. Brains.” The feature spotlighted the Olympic bronze medalist as a force both on and off the rugby pitch, highlighting her role in breaking long-standing stereotypes around female athletes and body image.

When she was just 28, Maher’s inclusion marked a significant moment for representation in sports media, with SI Swimsuit praising her strength, authenticity, and impact beyond competition. The post quickly gained praise from fans and fellow athletes alike, demonstrating that Maher isn’t just redefining athletic excellence but also reshaping how confidence and power are portrayed in mainstream media.

Ilona Maher Rings In 2026 With A Western-Inspired Power Move

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher)

To kick off the new year, Maher shared a behind-the-scenes snap that showed her fully stepping into her confident cowgirl era. The photo captured the Olympian mid-shoot, posing in a black, fringed bodysuit paired with thigh-high boots and a wide-brim cowboy hat, set against a desert-style backdrop.

Maher captioned the post with her iconic humor, writing, “My sister said even Reddit loves these so here’s my gift to you as we start 2026. Stay sexy, folks.” Fans and brands quickly piled into the comments, praising the look as “special” and “obsessed-worthy."

Maher Shows Strength In 'Recovery Mode'

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher)

Maher also gave followers a more intimate glimpse into her off-the-field routine with a striking shower snap that highlighted her strength. The photo showed Ilona Maher from behind, hands lifted into her hair as water cascaded down, showcasing her powerful back and shoulders. Captioned simply, “Recovery in full swing,” the post showed fans the physical demands of her career.

Ilona Maher Embraces 'Beach Recovery' Between Training Sessions

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher)

Maher continued her recovery-focused posts with a windswept beach snap that instantly racked up the likes. Rocking a bold red, white, and blue bikini, Ilona Maher stood confidently along the shoreline under gray skies, letting the moment feel raw and unfiltered. Captioned simply, “beach recovery,” the photo proved that rest doesn’t have to be glamorous to be powerful.

The response once again proved that whether she’s training in the gym or decompressing by the sea, Maher continues to resonate far beyond the rugby field.

What's Your Reaction?

Like Like 0
Dislike Dislike 0
Love Love 0
Funny Funny 0
Angry Angry 0
Sad Sad 0
Wow Wow 0