Rugby player Ilona Maher absolutely trucked a defender
U.S. women’s rugby player Ilona Maher has quickly become one of the most popular athletes at the Summer Olympics in Paris, and her NFL-worthy stiff arm is a big reason for that.
Maher and the U.S. women’s rugby sevens were dominant in their first two pool play matches on Sunday, first beating Japan 36-7 and then Brazil 24-5. In the first match, Maher looked like Derrick Henry while trucking a defender en route to a score.
THE STIFF ARM
Ilona Maher went absolutely BEAST mode. #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/G0IeO2g71D
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 29, 2024
Maher had a similar play in Team USA’s win over Brazil, though the defender at least managed to stay on her feet during that Maher score.
Get the ball to Ilona Maher and GET OUT OF THE WAY #ParisOlympics
CNBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/hF8KAytAj1
— On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) July 28, 2024
The U.S. women secured a spot in the quarterfinals with their big day on Sunday. If Maher continues to play with that much speed and power, Team USA will be tough to beat.
