U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher has celebrated her first start for the Bristol Bears by powering over for a try in a 41-31 victory at the Exeter Chiefs.

From Paris 2024 and the SI Swimsuit cover to “Dancing with the Stars” and a contract with the Bristol Bears, Ilona Maher’s life has changed dramatically in less than a year. She tells CNN how it feels to become “America’s sweetheart.

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher is set to make her first start for the Bristol Bears on Sunday at the Exeter Chiefs.

Interviewer asks Ilona Maher how she deals with imposter syndrome. Source: CNN

Fans have come to the defense of Team USA rugby fan favorite Ilona Maher on social media following an awkward exchange during an interview with a CNN anchor.

"It's OK to believe you deserve something because you put in the work for it," Ilona Maher said in the viral clip.

Ilona Maher, an Olympic rugby player, has recently sparked controversy following her interview with CNN's Christina Macfarlane. When Maher denied experiencing imposter syndrome, Macfarlane persisted in questioning her,