U.S. women’s rugby sevens star Ilona Maher has combined her powerful running style with compelling social media content to make her one of the breakout stars of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her efforts have earned her praise from Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, one of the most physical running backs in NFL history, who was impressed with her arm strength during Olympic games against Japan and Brazil. Maher has been compared to Henry, a two-time NFL All-Pro who is also known for his strong arms.
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“Get away from me!” Henry yelled in a video he posted to X, which Maher reposted on his own account.
He continued:
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“She’s got that. Mindset. Runs strong, runs hard. Doesn’t want to fall. Gets in the end zone no matter what it takes. I love that. It makes me want to go out there, too.”
Maher, who has more than 3 million followers across her Instagram and TikTok accounts and has made waves in recent days for spreading body positivity, also helped lead the United States to the semifinals of the women’s rugby sevens tournament with a 17-7 victory over Great Britain on Monday.
She’ll be hoping to help the U.S. win against New Zealand on Tuesday and give themselves a chance to win the gold medal.
Henry, the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner and two-time NFL leader in rushing yards and touchdowns, is in his first season with the Ravens after signing a two-year, $16 million contract in the offseason. A former second-round draft pick, Henry rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns last season with the Tennessee Titans.
Check out the full video of Henry’s reaction to Maher’s controversial stiff arm here:
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Derrick Henry responds to Ilona Maher’s controversial armlock
See Henry’s reaction to Maher’s viral play at the Paris 2024 Olympics below.
Olympic Rugby Sevens Schedule – Women’s | Paris 2024
