Have Ilona Maher & Stephen Nedoroscik Gotten ‘DWTS’ Advice from Past Olympians?

The excitement is building around: the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), and two of the contestants making waves are Olympians Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik. Both athletes are stepping out of their comfort zones and onto the dance floor for a brand new challenge. In a recent interview, they shared their excitement about the journey ahead, how they’re preparing, and whether they’ve received any advice from past Olympians who have also competed on the show.

With Olympians like Simone Biles and Suni Lee having previously competed on DWTS, both Ilona and Stephen are now part of a growing tradition of athletes testing their skills on the dance floor. Let’s dive into their experiences and what they had to say about this exciting new chapter in their lives.

Ilona Maher’s DWTS Journey: From Rugby to Dance

Ilona Maher, a standout athlete from the U.S. Women’s Rugby team, is no stranger to challenges. Competing at the Olympics, where she earned her place as one of the best in her sport, is already a massive achievement. Now, Ilona is taking on a new challenge by trading in her cleats for dancing shoes.

In her interview, she expressed how excited she was to finally share her participation in Dancing with the Stars. Keeping it a secret had been tough, especially for someone who loves to share everything with her family, friends, and fans. “I’m ready to go. I’m excited that people know now. It’s been weird to keep it to myself,” Ilona said.

Ilona views DWTS as a rite of passage for Olympians, following in the footsteps of Simone Biles and Suni Lee. She’s embracing the opportunity to test herself in a new way, getting out of her comfort zone, and showcasing a different side of herself to the public. “For me, it’s a rite of passage,” she explained. “I think I want to test myself in a different way and get out of my comfort zone.”

Stephen Nedoroscik’s Transition from Pommel Horse to Dance Floor

Stephen Nedoroscik, a talented gymnast known for his incredible skills on the pommel horse, is another Olympian stepping into the DWTS spotlight. Stephen has had a busy year, with the Olympics and other exciting opportunities like being featured in Sports Illustrated. When asked how he felt about joining DWTS, Stephen shared his excitement, stating that it’s been a whirlwind summer, filled with opportunities he didn’t want to miss. “I’m just trying to do all the opportunities while I can do them,” he said.

Stephen’s transition from gymnastics to dance may seem like a natural fit given the athleticism required in both, but he was quick to point out that dancing has been more challenging than he expected. Even though he’s had just three dance workouts so far, Stephen admitted, “The Olympics are still harder than the dance floor, but the dance floor is kicking my butt!”

Rehearsals: How Are Ilona and Stephen Doing So Far?

Both Ilona and Stephen have already started rehearsals for the show, and their partners are praising their determination and work ethic. Ilona’s partner, who feels lucky to be working with her, had high praise for the rugby star, saying, “Ilona is so special. She tries so hard, she’s killing it, and we’re having so much fun.” This positive energy and dedication are sure to help Ilona as she takes on the challenge of mastering dance routines.

Stephen’s experience has been equally positive. His partner expressed her surprise at how quickly he picked up the basics of dancing, despite the fact that it’s completely different from gymnastics. She shared that Stephen’s athleticism and determination are helping him get the hang of dancing, which is essential for succeeding on DWTS. “He came in determined. He wanted to work hard, and that’s all I need in a partner,” she said.

Have They Gotten Advice From Past Olympians?

When asked if they had received any advice from Olympians who had previously competed on Dancing with the Stars, both Ilona and Stephen admitted that they hadn’t yet, but they have people they can reach out to if needed. Ilona joked that she might not get advice from Simone Biles, but she’s still excited to be following in the footsteps of other athletes who have taken on this challenge. “I’ll get her some advice… maybe no, probably not,” she joked.

Stephen also mentioned that while he hasn’t reached out to anyone yet, he has people in his circle he could lean on for guidance if needed. For now, both are focused on enjoying the process and taking things one step at a time.

The Role of Social Media in Their Journeys

Ilona Maher is known for her vibrant and fun presence on social media, where she shares her life as an athlete and engages with her fans in a playful and honest way. She revealed that being part of the social media community has allowed her to show people the real side of being an athlete. “Olympians, they put us on a pedestal, but I think I’m just very normal,” she said. Ilona believes that sharing her journey on social media helps people relate to her more and see the person behind the athlete.

Stephen, too, is learning to navigate the world of social media, admitting that Ilona says a lot of funny things during rehearsals that they’re planning to use to their advantage. Both athletes are excited to let their personalities shine on the show and connect with audiences in new ways.

Support from Family and Friends

Support from family and friends is essential as Ilona and Stephen embark on their DWTS journey. Ilona shared that her three aunts, whose favorite show is Dancing with the Stars, are incredibly excited to see her compete. “I’m going to have them in the stands,” she said. She’s also hoping that her Olympic teammates, who will be in Los Angeles for a while, will be able to cheer her on as well.

Stephen is equally excited about having his family’s support. He mentioned that his parents and sisters, who were present for his previous competitions, will be there to support him this season as well.

Competition on DWTS: Who Are They Watching Out For?

When asked who their biggest competition is on the show, Ilona and Stephen didn’t point to any specific contestants. Instead, they acknowledged that the entire cast brings something unique to the table. Some contestants have strong stage presence, while others have impressive dancing skills. The competition is fierce, and Ilona and Stephen are eager to see how things unfold after the first episode.

Ilona also spoke about fellow contestant Alyson Hannigan, whom she had the chance to connect with, calling her “so cool” and “very nice.” The camaraderie among the contestants is something they’re both looking forward to as they prepare for the season.

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Fun Moments and Personalities

One of the highlights of Ilona’s interview was when she reflected on a viral moment from her Sports Illustrated photoshoot. Wearing a one-shoulder onesie, she had a playful moment that caught the attention of fans online. For Ilona, moments like these allow her to express her personality and have fun with the opportunities that come her way.

Stephen, too, is looking forward to showing more of his personality on the dance floor, and both athletes are ready to let loose and enjoy every part of the experience.

Conclusion

Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik are two Olympians who are stepping into a whole new world with Dancing with the Stars. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to get out of their comfort zones make them strong contenders for the show. Although they haven’t received specific advice from past Olympians just yet, both are embracing the challenge with open minds and hearts.

With strong support from their families, friends, and fans, Ilona and Stephen are sure to bring energy, fun, and athleticism to the DWTS stage. Whether they’re executing dance routines or sharing behind-the-scenes moments on social media, these two Olympians are ready to shine in a brand-new way.

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