Ilona Maher reacts to criticism over Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway look originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ilona Maher is firing back at haters.
The Olympian walked in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show during Miami Swim Week, where she strutted down the runway in a blue and white striped bathing suit. While Maher felt confident in her swimsuit, the rugby star had several remarks flooding the comment section of her photo as well as individuals' posts online about her "unflattering" look. She addressed the comments on a TikTok video on June 4.
"I just got to walk in the SI Swimsuit show, and then my runway walk was posted on Instagram," Maher began the video, before jokingly adding, "And you guys have been leaving just the best comments. Like, you guys have a way with words."
"Some of the comments have been, 'SI did her dirty with that one.' I actually chose this one," she continued. "I chose this one myself. I kinda liked it. I liked how it showed my whole back, showed a little side ****** y. So I hear you with that but this was all me."