“Why do Men Do this?”: Swimming Community Rallies Behind Lilly King’s Fiance for Proposing at US Olympic Trials

The 200m world title holder has done it once again! Lilly King has secured a spot in her second event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Olympic bronze medalist clinched a silver with 2:19.92 in the 200m breaststroke. She fought hard for this position with Alex Walsh. But in the last few meters she closed the gap and will now be eying the French capital. 

King will already be competing in the 100m breaststroke in Paris and won several hearts when she gave her medal to supportive fans in the stands. While she might have lost the top spot to Kate Douglass in the 200m breaststroke, King was ecstatic about the win. However, her win was going to feel even sweeter. Her fiance, James Wells, stunned King and fans alike with a surprise proposal. Even though she said yes, it sparked a debate among her fans. 

Lilly King said yes to both Paris and Wells

Lilly King captivated everyone with her stellar performance at the US Olympic Trials. This race cemented her name in the history books. No American swimmer has qualified for both 100m and 200m breaststroke at 3 consecutive Summer Games. Lilly King has done that! As she stepped out to celebrate her historic win, James Wells walked up to the deck in his “nice clothes”.

His heartfelt proposal tugged everyone’s heartstrings and caught King, who was barely dry from her race, off guard. As everyone watched with bated breath, Katie accepted with “Yes, yes”. While many present at the stadium watched it unfold live, the proposal was also captured on live television. 

Despite the applause from the stadiums, many fans online felt otherwise. One fan voiced her opinion on Twitter, “I hated the proposal timing. I can’t stop thinking about how much I hate it. And that NBC called it the biggest story of the night. Hate. It. I know it’s not about me or for me and I’m happy for them and they should not care what I think but it has given me the ick.” King might have got two wins in a night, but several fans were concerned about this moment outshining her moment at the Trials. 

King had mentioned that she was expecting the proposal post the Olympics. But seeing King in her element in Indianapolis, Wells couldn’t help but share this happy moment with everyone present. 

Fans react to the emotional proposal 

King’s proposal made an already monumental night for her even more special. Several fans present were awestruck by the gesture. However, a few expressed how the timing of the proposal didn’t seem right. One fan stated, “Why do men do this?!? Let these women celebrate their accomplishments” The sentiment might have been innocent, but many believed that it overshadowed her stellar performance and win. 

Another fan agreed, “Thank goodness! Thought I was the only one!” Even though King might not share the sentiment, many believe this should’ve been her night. A fan expressed positively, “My first thought was at least he didn’t do it at the Olympics.” What felt like a sweet moment between two individuals, seemed more implacable to others. 

Another fan honestly stated, “like. maybe it’s what she wanted, but wooooof, it does not sit right.” King had just got done with her race and was barely out of the pool when Wells proposed. Despite her enthusiastic response, fans weren’t convinced. 

A fan chimed in, “If they had a conversation beforehand, fine. If they didn’t and I was in her place, I would be STEAMING” A public proposal doesn’t have the best reputation. But, a proposal right after a big achievement like this is seldom received well. 

Despite the mixed bag of opinions surrounding her proposal, Lilly King will now be eying the French Capital. As she prepares to step foot in her third Summer Games, fans will be anticipating how she fares in the Olympic pool. With both a professional and a personal win, the swimming community will rally behind Lilly King. Will she bring home the Olympic gold? Only time will tell.