From Paris 2024 and the SI Swimsuit cover to “Dancing with the Stars” and a contract with the Bristol Bears, Ilona Maher’s life has changed dramatically in less than a year. She tells CNN how it feels to become “America’s sweetheart.

Ilona Maher, an Olympic rugby player, has recently sparked controversy following her interview with CNN's Christina Macfarlane. When Maher denied experiencing imposter syndrome, Macfarlane persisted in questioning her,

You automatically assume I must not feel that I am deserving of where I’m at? ... You think they’re asking NFL players, male politicians if they have imposter syndrome?’

Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher is on the mend after a rough collision during a recent match with her new team, the Bristol Bears.

"It's OK to believe you deserve something because you put in the work for it," Ilona Maher said in the viral clip.

Maher included a video of herself holding up a bag of ice to her face. She also lip-synched, “Been better, Carrie Ann.” (The athlete previously said the phrase last year after Dancing With The Stars judge Inaba asked why Maher was crying after she received tough feedback on her performance.)

The USA Eagles player is also not worried about a potential U.S. ban on TikTok, a platform she has amassed over three million followers on.

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher has celebrated her first start for the Bristol Bears by powering over for a try in a 41-31 victory at the Exeter Chiefs.

U.S. rugby sensation Ilona Maher says rugby union needs to undergo a cultural shift if the sport is to attract new fans. Maher, who earned a bronze medal in rugby sevens with the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has more followers on social media than any other rugby player with over 8 million across Instagram and TikTok.

Interviewer asks Ilona Maher how she deals with imposter syndrome. Source: CNN