Ilona Maher, an Olympian and rugby star, recently walked in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show during Miami Swim Week, showcasing a blue and white striped bathing suit. Despite feeling confident, Maher faced criticism online, with some comments labeling her look as 'unflattering.' In a TikTok video, she humorously addressed the backlash, clarifying that she had chosen the swimsuit herself and enjoyed how it showcased her body. Maher questioned whether the negative remarks stemmed from her body type rather than the suit itself, stating, 'Is it unflattering, or is it just like a bigger body existing in a suit?' She encouraged her fans to embrace body positivity, asserting that everyone with a body can wear a bikini. Maher made her debut with SI Swimsuit as a cover star in the 2024 digital issue and was featured again in the 2025 print edition, alongside other notable athletes and celebrities this year.