NEED TO KNOW
Ilona Maher accepted a date from comedian Funny Marco during an appearance on his podcast Open Thoughts released on Tuesday, April 7
Maher joked that she’s “dated some broker men” in her life during the appearance
The Olympian explained that she still believes in chivalry and appreciates when men do things like “open the door” for her or walk on the “road side”
Ilona Maher landed herself a date during a recent podcast appearance.
Maher, 29, said yes to an offer from comedian Funny Marco while appearing as a guest on his podcast, Open Thoughts on Tuesday, April 7.
The Olympian was telling Marco, 32, that her “bread is up, of course,” referring to the income she’s been making since rising to stardom at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. That earned a compliment from the podcast host, who told Maher, “That was swagger.”
Ilona Maher on Jan. 8, 2026 in Los Angeles
Credit: Unique Nicole / AFP via Getty
Maher explained, though, that she does expect a guy to take the lead during dates.
“I do feel like, on the first date when I’m with a guy, I like to kind of set a precedent,” the Olympic bronze medalist said. “I still think chivalry should be there, like, open the door, walk on the road side…etiquette.”
Maher explained that her suitor “should pay for the bill” on the first date, “and then after that, I pick up a lot,” she said, adding that she’s “dated some broker men” in the past.
Marco chimed in, “I got a little money. Could we go on a date?,” and Maher didn’t hesitate before responding, “Yeah, sure, when?”
The rugby star then jokingly asked if Marco would “walk out on” her if they went out. “Not on you,” he said. “Can I get spiked pink lemonade? That’s a lot of money,” Maher asked before the comedian told her, “You can get whatever you want.”
In October 2024, Maher opened up to PEOPLE about what she’s looking for in a romantic partner and said at the time that she hasn’t “been on a date in years.”
“I’ve never really had somebody who’s come to my rugby games,” she said. “Somebody who’s really proud to see me shine and wants me to keep growing — someone who shows me off.”
She also said that her DMs on social media aren’t full of guys, but instead, “It’s all very positive moms that are like, ‘I love what you’ve done for my daughter,’ ” she said, joking, “And I’m like, ‘Where’s the NFL players? I thought there’d be more. No billionaires in here?’ “
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