Ilona Maher: From Super Bowl to Milano Cortina 2026 – Supporting Team USA & Winter Stars

MILAN, Italy – The electric atmosphere of the February 10th Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina is already captivating athletes from across the sporting world, even those typically focused on summer competition. U.S. Rugby star Ilona Maher, fresh off attending the Super Bowl, traded American football for the speed and intensity of Team Canada versus Team USA ice hockey at Milano Santagiulia Arena.

Maher, a bronze medalist with the U.S. Women’s Rugby Sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is embracing the opportunity to experience the Winter Games firsthand. “It’s so cool to be here,” she told Olympics.com. “I am part of [Team USA] even though I’m in the summer, [I love] just seeing my teammates out there killing it.”

The 29-year-old Burlington, Vermont native, known for her advocacy of body positivity and upcoming Barbie doll in her likeness, finds a surprising kinship between the two sports. “I think ice hockey [is the most similar winter sport to rugby], but they’ve got to do a little bit more shoving into the boards,” she joked.

Maher’s presence at the Games isn’t simply as a spectator. She’s actively following the performances of her fellow American athletes, even while traveling. “Jetting off to Europe was first on the agenda after attending the Super Bowl over the weekend. Yet, even there, Maher couldn’t stop tuning into what her compatriots were doing on the ice and snow across the pond.”

Her attention was particularly drawn to the captivating performances in figure skating. “I was just at the Super Bowl with a friend, and we kept watching Ilia Malinin’s performance, it was so amazing,” she said, referencing the American figure skater who is quickly becoming a fan favorite. She also highlighted the inspiring resilience of Amber Glenn and Lindsey Vonn, praising Vonn’s continued competition “despite an ACL tear,” as “just really cool.”

Beyond the thrill of competition, Maher is eager to immerse herself in Italian culture. “While there’s a whole host of things she wants to experience during her time in Italy, especially traditional pasta and pizza,” she’s equally committed to supporting the Winter Olympians.

Maher’s journey to the Olympics is a testament to her versatility as an athlete. According to TeamUSA.com, she began playing rugby at age 17 and quickly excelled, earning the MA Sorensen Award for National Player of the Year in 2017 while playing at Quinnipiac University. She has since represented the United States in both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics, demonstrating her dedication to Team USA across seasons.

While currently not actively playing rugby, as noted by Wikipedia, Maher signed with Bristol Bears in January 2025 in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league, suggesting a potential return to the sport. However, her current focus is clearly on supporting her fellow American Olympians in Italy.

Maher’s presence at the Winter Games underscores the growing spirit of cross-sport support and camaraderie within Team USA. Her enthusiasm and genuine appreciation for the dedication of these athletes serve as a powerful message of unity and encouragement as the Milan Cortina Games unfold. Her ability to connect with fans through social media, coupled with her athletic achievements, positions her as a compelling figure in the broader Olympic movement.

As NBC5 reported on February 5th, Maher shared a special message for Team USA athletes ahead of the Games, urging them to “Go out there, have fun. Leave it all on the snow, on the ice, whatever it is.” It’s a sentiment she clearly embodies as she cheers on her fellow Americans in Milan.