It looks like the 2024 Paris Olympics are not only showcasing incredible athletic feats but also serving some backdrop heartwarming love stories. Amid the fierce competition and world records being shattered, a few athletes have found it fit to pledge ‘forever’ to their better halves–what better place to do it than in the City of Love?
At SENS we’ve got the details on who’s taking the plunge, all while competing on the global stage.
First up, let’s talk about Huang Ya Qiong and Liu Yuchen, a dynamic duo who have been dazzling on the badminton court. Playing for China, they’ve made headlines not just for their athletic prowess but also for their commitment to each other.
Huang and Liu have been a couple for over three years, and their engagement at the Olympics was a true testament to their bond. Both athletes were instrumental in securing gold medals in their respective events, making their engagement even more special. Their fans were overjoyed to see them win on both the court and in love.
Then there’s Sarah Steyaert and Charlie Picon. Popularly referred to as the ‘mama team’, for bringing their children to sporting events, this pair of France women skiffs had a memorable moment at the Games, achieving sports and personal accolades. Upon returning ashore, the duo wasn’t only awarded bronze medals, but also engagement rings from their long-term boyfriends. They said YES!
“Our boyfriends said at the beginning of the project that if we won a medal we would be engaged,” noted Steyaert during a press conference.
Not to be outdone, Payton Otterdahl and Maddy Nilles also made headlines with their own engagement story. Payton, a shot-put sensation, proposed to Maddy, a full-time assistant coach for throws in front of the Eiffel Tower. “Meanwhile, in the City of Love…I love you forever, Maddy Nilles!” posted Payton on his Instagram.
Finally, Justine Best and Lainey Duncan. In addition to bringing Gold home, Justine Best also brought a fiancée. Best and Lainey had been dating for nearly ten years but only took a knee on Monday, Aug 5, 2024, after breaking the US dry spell–winning them Gold for the first time in 60 years.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you and raise a family together, Lainey, will you marry me?” he asked on the live Today Show.
Amongst medals and sweat, the 2024 Olympics have been remarkable not just for the sports enthusiasts but for the Romeo and Juliette love story die-hards.
