The Shocking Truth: Did Ilona Maher Get Eliminated From Dancing With The Stars Season 33?

The question "Did Ilona Maher get eliminated from *Dancing with the Stars*?" has been trending since her impressive run on the show, but the simple answer is a resounding—and surprising—no. As of today, December 10, 2025, the Olympic rugby star not only avoided elimination for the entire season but also became one of the most successful athletes to ever compete in the ballroom, making it all the way to the final night of competition. Her journey was a masterclass in proving that strength and athleticism can translate into grace, captivating millions of fans who tuned in to watch her transformation. This article dives deep into Ilona Maher's incredible performance on *DWTS* Season 33, her final placement, and the key moments that made her one of the season's most beloved and talked-about competitors. The truth about her final status is far more exciting than a simple early exit.

Ilona Maher: Biography, Rugby Career, and Viral Fame

Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher is a multifaceted American athlete, social media personality, and reality television star whose career has been defined by strength, charisma, and a powerful message of body positivity.

• Full Name: Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher
• Date of Birth: August 21, 1996
• Place of Birth: Burlington, Vermont, U.S.
• Primary Career: Professional Rugby Union Player (Rugby Sevens)
• Team: United States Women's National Rugby Sevens Team
• Olympic Achievements: Competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) and was a key member of the Team USA squad. She also played a significant role in the team's success at the 2024 Paris Games, where the U.S. women's rugby team won a bronze medal.
• Social Media Presence: Maher gained meteoric fame for her viral TikTok and Instagram posts during the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Her content, often shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of life as an Olympian, broke down stereotypes, and promoted body confidence, earning her a massive following and the title of "social media darling."
• Reality Television: Starred as a celebrity contestant on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 33.

Maher’s ability to transition from the aggressive, high-impact world of rugby to the elegant, technical demands of ballroom dancing is a testament to her dedication and natural athletic talent. Her unique background set the stage for one of the most memorable runs in *DWTS* history.

The Definitive Answer: Ilona Maher's Final Placement on DWTS Season 33

Despite the constant chatter about eliminations, Ilona Maher never faced an early exit from the competition. In fact, she defied expectations, consistently impressing the judges and viewers alike throughout *Dancing with the Stars* Season 33. The question of "Did Ilona Maher get eliminated?" is a trick question because she wasn't eliminated until the very last night. Instead, she and her professional partner, Alan Bersten, secured the position of Runners-Up in the Season 33 finale. The finale, which aired on Tuesday, November 26, saw the culmination of weeks of intense training and emotionally resonant performances. The pair known as "Team Maherst" delivered two final, powerful dances: a Redemption Jive and a show-stopping Freestyle. Their second-place finish cemented their status as fan favorites and one of the strongest celebrity-pro pairings of the season, proving that her journey was a triumphant success, not a premature elimination.

Key Moments and Performances That Defined Her Journey

Ilona Maher’s time in the ballroom was marked by a series of high-scoring, emotionally powerful, and frequently viral performances. Her partnership with veteran pro Alan Bersten was instrumental in her success, with Maher often praising Bersten for helping her embrace a more "feminine" side while maintaining her powerful athletic identity.

The Power of "Team Maherst"

The chemistry between Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten was undeniable. Bersten, a seasoned professional, was able to choreograph routines that highlighted Maher’s incredible strength and agility while refining her technique. Maher often spoke about how her experience on *DWTS* helped her grow beyond her rugby persona, learning to feel beautiful and graceful in a new light. Their partnership became a compelling storyline of the season, earning them a fiercely loyal following among the *DWTS* audience.

Navigating the Elimination Twists

Season 33 was known for its dramatic twists, including several weeks where no elimination occurred, allowing all couples to carry their scores forward. However, Maher consistently placed high on the leaderboard, often being announced as one of the first safe competitors of the night. This consistent viewer support and high judges' scores kept her far away from the dreaded bottom two. Notable performances that resonated with fans and judges included:

• Disney Night: Maher transformed into Encanto's Luisa, a character known for her super-strength, a perfect fit for the rugby star. This performance was a fan-favorite, blending her athletic power with the joy of the Disney theme.
• Dedication Night: Her emotional performance during Dedication Night was another highlight, showcasing her ability to connect deeply with the music and choreography, moving beyond her initial "athlete" label.
• The Semifinals: In the Semifinals, which featured a shocking elimination twist, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten were among the pairs who secured their spot in the final showdown, alongside other top contenders like Joey Graziadei.

The Finale and the Runner-Up Title

The ultimate measure of her success was reaching the finale. On the final night, Maher and Bersten’s performances were met with high praise. Their Redemption Jive, a chance to revisit and improve an earlier dance, was a powerful display of her technical growth. Their Freestyle was an explosive, high-energy routine that perfectly encapsulated her journey—strong, fun, and technically proficient. Ultimately, the combination of judges' scores and viewer votes placed them as the second-best couple of the entire season, a monumental achievement that definitively answers the question: Ilona Maher was never eliminated; she was a finalist.

Ilona Maher's Legacy Beyond the Ballroom

Ilona Maher’s presence on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 33 transcended the competition itself. She used the massive platform to continue her mission of empowerment and breaking stereotypes. By showcasing her incredible athleticism and embracing the vulnerability of learning a new art form, she became an inspiration for young women and athletes everywhere. Her success on *DWTS* is a significant chapter in her career, proving that the skills honed on the rugby pitch—discipline, resilience, and power—are transferable to any stage. She has cemented her legacy not just as an Olympic bronze medalist but also as a reality television star who finished her ballroom journey not with an elimination, but with a runner-up title. The story of Ilona Maher on *Dancing with the Stars* is not one of a quick exit, but a powerful, full-season run to the very end.