"Sticking and being patient with me" - Ilona Maher makes a confession about dance partner Alan Bersten's support throughout DWTS

Olympic medalist Ilona Maher finished second in the 33rd season of the dance reality show 'Dancing with the Stars'. The 28-year-old rugby player recently confessed her dance partner Alan Bersten's constant support throughout the show.

In a conversation with 'Extra TV', Maher opened up on her experience at 'Dancing with the Stars', as well as her equation with her dance partner Bersten. In her words,

"I think that there's always room to improve and like it can beat you down, but there's just, I mean I had some really tough episodes this season, but I felt like I always came back stronger, and um I'm just really really proud of myself honestly." [0:23 onwards]

When asked about her equation with Bersten, the rugby player replied,

"I'm proud of Alan for sticking with me and being patient with me."

Bersten quickly added,

"Honestly I learned so much from Ilona. She lives every moment, and she brings so much happiness, and honestly it made me a happier person, and I can't wait to live my life knowing that me and Ilona are good friends!"

Ilona Maher and her dance partner Alan Bersten achieved a 'Perfect 30', as they earned an impressive 57 out of 60 for their grand finale performances. However, they missed out on the mirrorball trophy to 'The Bachelor' star Joey Graziadei and his dance partner Jenna Johnson and finished as runners-up.

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Ilona Maher pens a heartfelt note after the conclusion of DWTS

Ilona Maher's heartfelt note after the 'Dancing with the Stars' [Image for Representational Purposes] [Image Source : Dancing with the Stars' Instagram]

Ilona Maher left a solid impression with her performance at the grand finale of the dance reality show 'Dancing with the Stars'. The grand finale of the 33rd season was broadcast on the night of November 26.

After the grand finale, the Olympic bronze medalist posted an emotional note on Instagram, thanking everyone for their support. Maher wrote,

"Thank you for everything, guys. You voting are the reason we got to 2nd place. Of course, it’s no first but honestly we won in many other ways. So lucky to have been partnered together and shared this amazing journey. We will remember this forever.

Love, Alan and Ilona"

In another post, Maher explained that though she was not a natural dancer, she was extremely grateful to 'Dancing with the Stars' for providing the platform to reinvent herself. She posted,

"First day in the studio➡️ Last Day in the studio

What a wild, intense, insane ride it has been. I met so many fantastic people and had the experience of a lifetime. Turns out, I’m not a natural ballroom dancer, but I’m so proud of myself for how I’ve improved and to where I’ve come. These are two very different people in these photos. Thanks for embarking on this journey with me.

Ilona over and out."

Ilona Maher had contributed to the historic performance of Team USA in women's rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics 2024. For the first time in the history of this event, the USA won an Olympic medal, defeating Australia in the bronze medal game.