BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Olympic opening ceremonies are just over a week away and several Vermonters will proudly wear their country’s gear. That includes Burlington High School graduate Ilona Maher, who is playing for the women’s rugby team.
It has been several years now since Maher’s family sat in the stands in Vermont watching her play various high school sports. Now, they are off to see her play rugby in Paris at the Olympics.
“It’s nice to be back and been nice to realize that this was the kind of stepping stone for an Olympic career,” said Mieneke Maher, Ilona’s mother, reflecting on the days spent at Burlington’s sports fields.
At the upcoming Paris Olympics, Ilona will represent the United States in Rugby Sevens.
“I have the honor of being the mother of three amazing children, but also have the extra you know, label of being an Olympic Olympian’s mother is very cool,” Mieneke said.
Ilona grew up in the Queen City, graduating from Burlington High School in 2014. No stranger to local sports, she grew up playing softball, basketball, field hockey and, of course, rugby.
Ilona represented the U.S. in the 2020 Tokyo Games, but because of COVID, her family couldn’t go show their support.
But this year, Ilona’s parents and two sisters will be in attendance cheering on their rugby star.
“Just watching the team and your daughter run out onto the field is exhilarating. And I just can’t right now, I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like for me to watch her run out into an Olympic stadium,” Mieneke said.
She says the time has flown.
“It’s a pain in the butt to sit on those wooden planks or on those horrible stamps and you know, have to you know, finish dinner or not, but enjoy it because before you know it, it’s done,” Mieneke said.
On top of her rugby career, Ilona Maher is an advocate on social media for body positivity. Being a strong role model for women is something her mom is even more proud of her for.
“Having Ilona be an advocate for mental health, ultimately, you know, body positivity… I think it’s amazing,” Mieneke said.
For now, their sights are set on Paris, and the nerves are already revving up.
“I think my heart’s gonna be pounding, I’m unable to sit. I can never see, I’m always a, you know, mover and I can’t do that,” Mieneke laughed. “I get very nervous because you want always the very, very best for your child.”
The first game for the U.S. Women’s Olympic Rugby Sevens Team is on July 28 in Paris.