Olympic Gold Medalist Breezy Johnson's Super-G Crash Leads to Romantic Finish Line Proposal
American Olympic champion Breezy Johnson experienced a dramatic turn of events during the women's super-G event on Thursday, crashing out of the race but ending the day with a joyful engagement surprise. Johnson, who secured a gold medal in the downhill just days earlier, clipped a gate with her pole, causing her to tumble into the safety fence and exit the competition prematurely.
A Surprise Proposal Amidst Olympic Action
However, the disappointment of the crash was quickly overshadowed by a heartwarming moment at the finish line. Her boyfriend, Connor Watkins, proposed to her there, surrounded by members of the US Ski Team. Johnson enthusiastically accepted, and the couple shared a warm embrace, witnessed by teammates and onlookers.
Johnson later revealed that she had anticipated the proposal, having expressed her dream of getting engaged at the Olympics. "I had told him that I always dreamed of getting proposed to at the Olympics, so I had an inkling," she said. "It felt fitting to kind of combine two of my loves. And I don't know, it's a special place at the Olympics. I feel like there's a lot of mystique around it. And also you get free photography."
From Dating App to Olympic Romance
The couple's relationship began on a dating app, with Watkins admitting he was initially unaware of Johnson's skiing fame. "I was a little taken aback. I had very little knowledge of ski racing and everything else," said Watkins, who works in the construction industry. Their connection blossomed despite this, leading to the memorable proposal at the Tofane venue.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Johnson expressed delight at leaving with both a medal and an engagement ring. "I mean, who doesn't want to leave with a couple pieces of metal?" she quipped, highlighting the unique blend of professional achievement and personal joy from the games.
This event adds a personal highlight to Johnson's Olympic journey, showcasing resilience and romance in the high-stakes world of winter sports. The engagement marks a celebratory note for the US team, blending athletic competition with life-changing moments.