Olympian Ilona Maher recently shared her exclusive journey on Dancing With the Stars with PEOPLE, reflecting on her experience now that it has come to an end. Maher discussed her future in dance and the valuable lessons she has learned about herself throughout the process. After captivating audiences with her dance moves alongside partner Alan Bersten on season 33 of DWTS, Maher decided to retire from dance following the conclusion of the live tour on April 5. In an Instagram announcement, she humorously revealed her decision to hang up her dancing shoes, emphasizing that she found joy elsewhere, particularly on the rugby pitch. Maher expressed gratitude for the support she received and acknowledged the difficulty of her decision to step away from the ballroom despite her success on the show. Reflecting on her journey, Maher shared that while dance may not be her ultimate source of joy, she appreciates the beauty of the art form and the diverse ways people find happiness. Maher’s experience on DWTS followed her bronze medal win with the women’s Team USA rugby sevens player, showcasing her versatility and willingness to explore new passions.
After winning her first championship in a thrilling, challenging match against Australia, the celebrated athlete has since retired from dancing but remains active with the debut of her new podcast, House of Maher, co-hosted by her siblings Olivia and Adrianna. Tune in to their weekly episodes where they discuss a variety of family-friendly topics and more. Check out the full article on People’s website.