Unmasking the Olympics: Ilona Maher and the Realities of Athletic Life

The 2024 Summer Olympics were full of patriotism, strength, courage, and persistence. Many athletes, from Simone Biles to Caleb Dressel, continually surprised America and the world with the vulnerability and passion they put into their careers. As viewers, we saw these athletes from a professional standpoint and a personal perspective, which was possible through their independent social media. For the first time, the average person saw what it was like to be an Olympic athlete in the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was full of surprises, to say the least.?

A standout athlete who used social media to her advantage during the 2024 Summer Olympics was Ilona Maher. Maher is an "American rugby union player who debuted for the United States women's national rugby union team against Japan in 2018 and represented the United States in rugby sevens at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo" and later represented the United States again in the 2024 Summer Olympics, leading her team to win the bronze medal. While in Paris, Ilona Maher made numerous appearances on her social media platforms to show the “reality” of being an athlete in the Olympics (especially in Paris). Viewers saw the cardboard beds, exciting meals, and the extensive merchandise these athletes get, which were genuinely mesmerizing to an average American viewer.

Not only was Maher showing the viewers what it's like to be an athlete, but she was also showing us what it is like to be a female athlete. She advocated for different body types, female needs, and vulnerability. On TikTok, Maher would update her viewers on the Olympics and what she was doing. This would range from workouts photoshoots, leisure activities, and more. It is important to note that viewership for the Olympics significantly increased, especially among younger viewers. We wanted to see our favorite athletes turned influencers in their natural habitat, on the field. Statistics show that the 2024 Paris Olympics averaged 30.6 million viewers across NBCUniversal's platforms, an 82% increase from the Tokyo Olympics. Of course, some people might argue that this is because of more live-streaming platforms, and I do not deny that, but let us be honest… who doesn't want to see more SnoopDogg, break dancing memes, and Stephen Nedoroscik, a.k.a Clark Kent destroy the pommel horse??

Now that the Olympics seem like they were decades ago (because that is how fast TikTok moves), many athletes have soared in fame, including Ilona Maher. Since the Paris Olympics, Maher has done talk shows and Sports Illustrated covers (impressive) and has recently begun her journey on season 2,537 of Dancing with the Stars. This is a new journey for her viewers. It is also funny seeing her and her partner, Alan Bersten, play into the fact that they are the same physical size. This sure makes the salsa dance interesting. It will be interesting to see how Ilona Maher and her social media continue to expand.?

In conclusion, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris showcased remarkable athleticism and highlighted the profound impact of social media in bridging the gap between athletes and audiences. As Maher continues to navigate her career, it is clear that the legacy of the Paris Olympics will resonate far beyond the medals earned.