Reese Witherspoon admires Paris Olympics medalist Ilona Maher during Emmy Awards red carpet. (Images by Getty)

WATCH: Ilona Maher receives praise from Reese Witherspoon as she stuns on the red carpet at the Emmys after winning a medal at the Paris Olympic

Modified Sep 16, 2024 04:31 GMT

Paris Olympics bronze medalist Ilona Maher recently garnered praise from American actress and producer Reese Witherspoon during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards Red Carpet. The Emmy Awards were held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

Maher made her debut appearance at the Emmy Awards following her incredible performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 28-year-old contributed to her team's efforts in securing a bronze medal in the women's rugby sevens at the French capital.

The victory and her presence on social media have put her in the spotlight, navigating a busy schedule of media appearances and events, including the glamorous Emmy Awards. The American rugby union player made her debut on the red carpet in a mesmerizing blue peplum-style gown, which she paired with diamond drop earrings, a chic bracelet, and two magnificent diamond rings.

During the star-studded evening, Maher was lauded by Witherspoon as a role model for her uplifting content on social media.

“I watch you on Instagram, you’re amazing,” Witherspoon said. “You put up such good messages of positivity, I send them to my daughter and stuff. You’re such a role model."

Expressing her gratitude towards the American actress, Maher said:

"Thank you. Daughters are my biggest fans I love. I love getting messages from moms that are like 'You have affected my daughter.' That means a lot to me."

Watch the video here:

"I never felt that way" - Ilona Maher on being called masculine for her physical appearance

Ilona Maher during the women's rugby sevens match at the 2024 Olympic Games in Saint-Denis, France. (Photo by via Getty Images)

Following her glorious feat at the Paris Games and her advocacy for women in sports, she debuted with her digital cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit for the September 2024 issue.

Maher was seen posing for the photos, showing her Chiseled figure on Fire Island Beach in Bellport, New York. She sported multiple dazzling outfits, including a blue, brown, and white bikini.

In an interview with SI, Maher reflected on being labeled as masculine while never having felt that way.

“I was always like, you know, called masculine or whatever," Ilona Maher said. "But I never felt that way. But I don't think you're going to bully the girl who could probably beat you up in a rage. I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is and it's not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified.”

With the team, Ilona Maher clinched the first Olympic medal for the USA women's team in rugby sevens.