Not long after “Dancing with the Stars” alum Ilona Maher shared an initial look at her 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue photoshoot and sparked a buzz among her adoring fans, the Olympic medal-winning athlete has stirred up more strong reactions by posting a behind-the-scenes video of her time in front of the camera.
Indeed, Parade notes that Maher “is making a bold statement online and the internet is absolutely obsessed with it.” There’s no denying that “[f]ans are losing it over” Maher’s “daring new post.”
Fans Were ‘Stunned’ by & ‘Cheering’ for Ilona’s ‘Daring Display’
Maher took to Instagram on Wednesday, March 25, to post the video showing her posing for the SI swimsuit issue. And thanks to the fact that she “knows just how to capture the attention of fans,” per Parade — “whether it’s on the dance floor, on the field, or on social media” — the star’s “latest Instagram activity left the public not only cheering but also stunned by her bold and daring display.”
In the various clips of the photoshoot — set to Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” — that took place in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Parade points out that Maher “looked like a goddess in her striking bikini looks, effortlessly showing off her toned and powerful physique.”
Fans quickly filled the comments of the post with appreciation and admiration.
“Bring that heat! Wow 😍,” one person wrote.
Another social media follower added, “I’m going to need a few days to process this. My gawd.”
“You make my 5’10 broad-shouldered self feel so beautiful. 🥹😭💗,” a third fan said in a comment.
“Seriously!!! No Words!!! Just that I frickin Love YOUUU!!! 🙌🙌🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️,” came from another fan.
Someone else left a comment, writing, “I’ve watched this more than I’d like to admit ☺️”
Even model Ashley Graham commented, saying, “YESSS ❤️”
Ilona was Joined by Others for the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue
The third year in a row that Maher has posed for the annual issue, Parade pointed out that “[t]he rugby star was introduced as one of the fan-favorite veterans returning to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit for this year’s feature.”
Who else was included? Well, Haley Baylee, Lauren Chan and Jocelyn Corona were invited to participate, as well as Olivia Dunne, Bethenny Frankel, Hunter McGrady, Brooks Nader and Molly Sims.
There are also 2026 digital covers that feature Brittany Mahomes, Christen Goff, Claire Kittle, Haley Cavinder, Normani and Ronika Love.
