Ilona Maher Makes Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Debut: See the Striking Photos

Ilona Maher gets her Sports Illustrated time of mating.

The 28-year-old Olympic rugby player has officially made her debut with her own digital cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuitwhich, according to editor-in-chief MJ Day, represents “a shift in the narrative.”

“Ilona’s presence on our cover symbolizes a shift in the narrative — one that celebrates not just physical prowess, but the courage to lead, inspire and advocate for change,” Day says in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s September Digital Issue, powered by Maybelline. “We couldn’t be more excited and inspired by this revolutionary athlete and feminist pioneer!”

Day also shared, “Having Ilona Maher on the cover of our September digital issue is more than just a celebration of her athletic achievements — it’s a powerful statement. Ilona is a modern role model of strength, conviction and authenticity, while also showcasing the indomitable spirit of an inspiring human being. Her ability to break barriers, both on and off the field, speaks deeply to women everywhere.”

In the stunning photos, taken by Ben Watts on Fire Island Beach in Bellport, New York, Maher shows off her toned body in a variety of swimsuits, including a chocolate-brown bikini.

The athlete is a social media sensation and an outspoken advocate for women in sports, continuing to challenge stereotypes about female athletes.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword puzzle is here! How fast can you solve it? Play now!

“I was always, you know, called manly or something,” Maher says SI. “But I never felt that way. But I don’t think you’re going to bully the girl who you can probably beat up in a rage. I think it’s great that (rugby) showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is and that it’s not just a tool to look at and objectify.”

Maher, who led Team USA to its first Olympic bronze medal in rugby sevens at the Paris Games earlier this summer, also spoke with SI about the salary differences between male and female rugby players.

“(Men) get to play rugby and get paid millions of dollars, while we’re making minimum wage and this is not going to be a career for us,” she says. “I have teammates who are now going into the job market, while these guys are down there and rugby is it (for them).”

Never miss a story: Sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter and stay up-to-date on the best of PEOPLE, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Maher has more than 2 million followers on TikTok and says her viral online persona is authentic to who she is.

“It’s very off the cuff. It’s like my teammates say I say my jokes twice — once to them and once to the world, so it’s just a joke,” she told PEOPLE at the Team USA house in Paris on July 31. “Whatever I am online is how I am in real life. (My teammates) keep me grounded, they keep me sane.”

“They tell me what’s good and what’s not, so they’re just the best,” she said of her teammates.