Ilona Maher Responds to Critics Who Say Her “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” Runway Look Was 'Unflattering'
Ilona Maher Responds to Critics Who Say Her “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” Runway Look Was 'Unflattering'
Catherine SantinoFri, June 5, 2026 at 8:58 PM UTC
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Ilona Maher.Credit: Hoo-me.com/MediaPunch/Shutterstock -
Ilona Maher responded to critics who called her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway look "unflattering"
In a TikTok video, the rugby star spoke candidly about the reactions to the blue-and-white striped swimsuit she wore during Miami Swim Week
"Is it unflattering, or is it just like a bigger body existing in a suit?" she asked in the clip
Ilona Maher has a message for critics of her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway appearance.
In a video shared to TikTok on Thursday, June 4, the rugby star, 29, addressed the reactions to one of the swimwear looks she recently wore during Miami Swim Week.
"I just got to walk in the SI Swimsuit show and then my runway walk was posted on Instagram," Maher started the clip, before jokingly adding, "And you guys have been leaving just the best comments. Like, you guys have a way with words."
The athlete then revealed a photo of the blue-and-white striped one-piece she wore on the runway on May 30. The swimsuit featured a neckline that plunged all the way down to Maher's belly button and cutouts on the sides.
Ilona Maher.Credit: Hoo-me.com/MediaPunch/Shutterstock
"Some of the comments have been, 'SI did her dirty with that one.' I actually chose this one," she clarified. "I chose this one myself. I kinda liked it. I liked how it showed my whole back, showed a little side titty. So I hear you with that but this was all me."
Maher then responded to comments calling the look "unflattering."
"In terms of 'it's not very flattering,' okay, I hear ya. I don't think it was my best look I've ever worn, or the best suit I've ever worn, for sure," she said. "Is it unflattering, or is it just like a bigger body existing in a suit? I don't know, you tell me."
The Olympian later joked, "I want to say thank you because those videos are doing really well. You know what, we're starting a conversation."
"I respect all of your opinions, because I don't think this was maybe my best look ever but I still went out there," she continued. "I still walked the runway. I think I still inspired many people that ... even when you're not maybe at your best, I'm still gonna show up and show out and flash a little side boob. So, keep watching, keep commenting, you guys are the best. And just wear the suit. If you got a body, you got a bikini body."
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Maher first appeared in SI Swimsuit as a cover star in the 2024 digital issue and made her debut in the iconic magazine's print edition in 2025.
In May, she spoke with PEOPLE exclusively after being named the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie of the Year at the magazine's launch party at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City.
Moments after learning the exciting news, Maher celebrated on the red carpet alongside her fellow SI Swimsuit models. Caught up in the excitement, the Olympian shared her raw emotions with PEOPLE while raising the trophy in the air.
"Right up there with my Olympic medal, guys. Right up there," the athlete joked to PEOPLE, pretending to well up with tears as she proudly pointed to the trophy.
Ilona Maher.Credit: Alexander Tamargo/Getty
Maher won an Olympic bronze medal with the United States women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a thrilling 14-12 win over Australia.
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For her SI Swim shoot this year, Maher posed on the shores of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in a variety of designer swimwear looks from labels like Heidi Fish Swimwear, Andi Bagus, bond-eye Australia and more.
The athlete has long been an advocate for body positivity and self-love, and often speaks candidly on the topic across her social media platforms. In one video, she showed off her toned physique and explained that being strong is so much better than "skinny."
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
