Marriage proposals at the Olympics: When love invites itself into sport

The Olympic Games, symbol of the world's most prestigious sporting competition, are often the scene of memorable feats and powerful emotions. But these moments of intensity are not always limited to athletic performances. For some years now, another tradition has been stirring the hearts of spectators and athletes alike: marriage proposals in the middle of the Olympic stage.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, were strong in marriage proposals and tokens of love between athletes and spectators.

These requests, both moving and surprising, are as much the talk of the town as the gold medals. But why tie the world's biggest sporting event to such an intimate, personal moment? Here's a look at this bold, romantic trend, which transforms the Games into a true celebration of love.

The origins of Olympic marriage proposals

Although the Olympic Games have a long history dating back to antiquity, public marriage proposals during the event are a recent trend. The phenomenon really took off from the 2012 London Olympics, when several athletes took advantage of the global exposure to pop the fateful question.

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The demands that marked the Paris 2024 Games

A number of marriage proposals at the Olympic Games have left their mark and gone viral on social networks. Here are a few memorable examples that made headlines around the world:

Alice Finot, 33, proposed to her partner after taking fourth place in the 3000m steeplechase. As she made her lap of honor to thank the public, she stopped to greet her loved ones and, above all, to propose to her partner by putting one knee on the ground. "I told myself that if I ran under 9', my lucky number, we've been together for nine years... I don't like to do things like everyone else," she continues. He hadn't done it yet, so I thought maybe I should. I gave him a pin I ran with that said 'L'amour est à Paris'. I wanted him to give me the strength to run under 9'." revealed the runner.

Pablo Simonet, handball player for the Argentinean team, proposed to his girlfriend Maria Pilar Campoy during an official photo shoot. On July 24, during a photo shoot for the Argentine delegation, the pro player knelt down in front of all the Argentine sportsmen and women, and in front of the cameras, to propose to the field field hockey player.

Charline Picon and Sarah Steyaert, the char à voile duo, also had their moment of happiness. After winning the bronze medal in the 49er fx event, they were proposed to by their respective partners. Having won their bronze medals together, they also won the hearts of their partners.

Love at the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

The public was touched many times by the attentions of professional athletes, but another event also left its mark on viewers. During the opening ceremony on July 26, 2024, Italian athlete Gianmarco Tamberi dropped his wedding ring into the Seine while he was the delegation's flag bearer.

The Italian sportsman later posted on social networks that the moment was very poetic for him, and that losing the ring in the water of the city of love would strengthen his marriage.

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Marriage proposals at the Olympic Games are no longer just rare, unexpected gestures; they've become a real trend, capturing the attention of fans the world over. These moments of shared happiness remind us that, even in a setting as competitive as the Olympics, love still has its place. For athletes and their partners, these tender moments mark the start of a new adventure, symbolizing victory not only on the field, but also in their personal lives.

And who knows? Perhaps at the next Games, another couple will add their love story to Olympic history.

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Photo credits: © IOC / Paris 2024 / Zublena, Costantini & Magliocca