Olympic Skier Gets Gold Medal and Engagement Ring

Breezy Johnson crossed the finish line at the 2026 Winter Olympics and walked away with two life-changing moments: an Olympic gold medal and an engagement ring.

Her partner Connor Watkins was waiting at the bottom of Thursday's super-G course in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, with a ring in his pocket. Johnson had always dreamed of getting engaged at the Olympics, making the moment even more special.

Their relationship started in the most modern way possible. The couple met on Bumble in 2023 and went to brunch for their first date.

"I had no idea who she was," Watkins told reporters. "Ten minutes into the conversation, I was like, 'Hey, so what do you do?' And that was an interesting answer at first."

Watkins, who grew up in Georgia, admitted he was intimidated when he learned Johnson was an Olympic athlete. "I was like, 'I'm out-kicking my coverage here,'" he laughed.

Thursday's race didn't go as planned for Johnson. She was one of 17 racers who didn't finish the difficult course, losing control after a jump and crashing into the netting.

Watkins watched nervously from below, the ring still in his pocket. "I'm hoping she's okay, first and foremost," he said, revealing he had a backup plan ready.

A staffer secretly checked with Johnson to gauge her mood before Watkins went ahead with the proposal. Johnson appreciated having someone she loved nearby in a vulnerable moment.

Sunny's Take

Sometimes the best moments in life come when we least expect them. Johnson showed up ready to compete, gave it her all, and found love waiting at the finish line regardless of the result.

The proposal perfectly captured what matters most in sports and life: the people who stand by us through victories and setbacks alike. Watkins didn't wait for a perfect race to ask the perfect question.

Johnson said yes through tears, thinking about how much she loved him. His words were beautiful, she told reporters, turning a disappointing race into an unforgettable day.

Love wins, even when the race doesn't go as planned.