Paris, with its irresistible charm and romance, has earned its reputation as the “City of Love.” Every street, café, and iconic landmark seems to whisper tales of romance. The Eiffel Tower, shimmering against the night sky, and the serene Seine River create the perfect setting for love stories to unfold. With the Paris Olympics 2024 in full swing, the city’s romantic allure shines even brighter. Couples from around the world are seizing this extraordinary moment, choosing the grandeur of the Games as the ideal backdrop for their proposals.

Imagine a proposal beneath the Eiffel Tower, with the Olympic spirit adding a touch of magic to these unforgettable moments. Such was the scene for Justin Best and Lainey Duncan. Best, an American rower, made history at the Paris Olympics by winning a gold medal for the USA for the first time in 60 years. He seized the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend of nine years under the Eiffel Tower. The proposal was nothing short of a dream; he used 2,738 yellow roses to symbolize their Snapchat streak. “Each yellow rose represents a day that you and I have been together,” he said, “Our streak is 2,738 right now.”

The blend of athletic triumph and personal milestones makes Paris an even more enchanting place for an engagement. Justin and Lainey are not alone in their romantic journey. Several other couples are also heading toward their own “I Do” moments, their engagement rings sparkling as they leave Paris with dreams of forever. Let’s discover who else is embarking on this beautiful adventure of love as the City of Love becomes the backdrop for their vows of commitment.

Who are the other couples who popped the question?

Payton Otterdahl also chose the Eiffel Tower as the enchanting setting for his proposal to his beloved Maddy Nilles. With a touch of romance, he shared a heartfelt Instagram post, showcasing himself on one knee with the caption, “Meanwhile, in the City of Love… I love you forever, Maddy Nilles!”

Otterdahl, a seasoned shot-put athlete and two-time Olympian, finished 4th in his event with an impressive throw of 22.03 meters. The couple’s shared passion for athletics binds them together in a unique and powerful way. Maddy Nilles, Otterdahl’s now-fiancée, is a track and field coach, weaving their lives together through their mutual dedication to sports.

The Argentina handball player Pablo Simonet also did not miss the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend of 9 years, Maria Campoy in the City of Love. “The woman of my life gave me the yes. In the dream place, where everything came from and where we doubt so much to be. Happiness is total, thank you friends and a few accomplices for making this special and being able to keep this forever. Paris is always a good idea,” captioned Simonet on his Instagram post.

Campoy is a distinguished two-time Olympian who dazzled at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing 7th and reaching new heights by securing a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games. Simonet is a three-time Olympian who competed in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Olympics.

Then there was the proposal that captivated the entire internet. Huang Yaqiong and Liu Yuchen, both members of China’s badminton team at the Paris Olympics, shared a moment that blended triumph with romance. Yaqiong, having just clinched gold in doubles, was unexpectedly swept off her feet by a dazzling diamond. As she stepped down from the podium, Yuchen seized the moment to propose, leaving Huang Yaqiong astounded. Her reaction was a blend of awe and joy as she expressed, “For me, the proposal is very surprising because I have been preparing for the game. I am an Olympic champion and I got proposed to, so that’s something I didn’t expect.”

It seems Huang Yaqiong is not only bringing home a gold medal but also a sparkling symbol of love. Yaqiong is a three-time World Champion, while Yuchen clinched the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Is this where the story ends? Far from it! The City of Love has cast its enchanting spell on athletes, inspiring them to seize the moment and propose. And indeed, there’s more to uncover in this romance-filled chapter.

More couples are on their way to say “I Do”

French athlete Alice Finot made a heartfelt vow: if she completed her race in under 9 minutes, she would propose to her boyfriend, Spanish triathlete Bruno Martínez Bargiela. While many chose the traditional ring, Finot opted for a uniquely personal touch, presenting her proposal with a pin in front of the cheering crowd. Her gesture, both creative and deeply meaningful, added an extraordinary twist to the magic of the moment.

“I told myself that if I ran under nine minutes, knowing that nine is my lucky number and we’ve been together for nine years, then I would propose. I don’t like doing things like everyone else. Since he hadn’t done it yet, I thought maybe it was up to me,” said Finot. The first-time Olympian shattered more than just conventional proposal traditions. Alongside her groundbreaking gesture, she also set a new European record with a stunning 8:58.67 finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Her remarkable achievement redefined norms and etched a memorable moment in both athletic and romantic history.

The next couple took a different route, opting for the elegant Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris over the iconic Eiffel Tower or the athletic fields. USA rugby star Alev Kelter chose this refined setting to propose to her girlfriend, Kathryn Treder, creating an intimate yet heartwarming scene surrounded by their nearest and dearest. Alev Kelter, a seasoned three-time Olympian who first competed in Rio 2016 and recently secured a bronze medal in Paris, celebrated this special moment with Kathryn, a rugby player for the U.S. women’s XVs Squad.

As the world celebrated sports, many were also celebrating love, proving once again that Paris, with its endless romance, remains the ultimate destination for making lifelong commitments. Here’s to a lifetime of togetherness, where every moment is a celebration of their shared dreams and enduring bond.