US rugby star Ilona Maher hailed as ‘feminist trailblazer’ for swimsuit shoot

Olympic star turns Sports Illustrated swimsuit model after saying she's targeting World Cup in England next year

Ilona Maher, the US women's center who lit up the Paris Olympics and became the most followed rugby player in the world, was hailed as a feminist trailblazer" after becoming a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model.

Ilona Maher gracing the cover of our September digital issue is more than just a celebration of her athletic achievements - it's a powerful statement," said MJ Day, editor in chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, on Thursday.