Ilona Maher’s DWTS partner Alan Bersten reacts as Olympian gracefully shuts down backhanded remark on her fame

Ilona Maher's partner, Alan Bersten, has recently shared his thoughts on the former's interaction with a woman, during which she received compliments and a backhanded remark. The Olympic bronze medalist, who was featured in the 2025 SI Swimsuit Issue, gracefully handled the fame-dig remark.

Prominent rugby player, Maher, with American professional Latin and ballroom dancer, Bersten, participated in the 33rd season of 'Dancing with the Stars,' and they finished their season in second position. Maher became the first rugby player to compete in the show and the first dancer to lift her male partner on the show. She also participated in the DWTS Live Tour, which was performed in multiple countries from January to April 2025.

Alan Bersten shared his thoughts on Ilona Maher's Instagram post, which featured her recalling an interaction with a woman. She further expressed that she received compliments and a subtle dig from the woman. To which Bersten reacted:

"Dawg that’s the longest 15 minutes ever! I guess I’m like 30 seconds of these 15 minutes 😂"

Screenshot of Ilona Maher's Instagram post featuring Alan Bersten's comments | Source: IG/ilonamaher

Through her Instagram post, Maher had said:

"Yesterday, this lady comes up to me and she goes, 'Ilona, I just love you, I think you are so amazing, you are doing so much with your 15-minutes'. Thank you so much, I appreciate it, you know I need to be humbled every now and then."

Elite rugby player, Ilona Maher, holds multiple brand collaborations and has also signed a multi-year partnership deal with German athletic giant, Adidas, in March 2025.

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Alan Bersten opens up on the unique bond he shared with rugby star Ilona Maher

Alan Bersten, the Minnetonka, Minnesota native, was the first guest on the 'House of Maher' podcast, which is hosted by the rugby player along with her sisters Olivia and Adrianna. During the episode on April 15, Bersten shared his thoughts on what made his bond with Ilona Maher special. He said [16:18 onwards]:

"Some seasons, you know, you just do your job, you go in, you rehearse, and you leave. I feel like we became friends. We went to rest, we went to eat all the time, we went to the spa all the time, we worked out together."

He continued:

"It was more than like oh, let's just dance, and I think that's what made the relationship really fun and the partnership really good. It's weird because again, I've done this so many times , you never know what to expect. So, I got very, very lucky with you, Ilona" he shared.

With the USA Eagles, Maher will participate in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which will be held from August 22 to September 27, 2025.