Olympic Champion Breezy Johnson's Super-G Crash Leads to Surprise Engagement
American Olympic downhill champion Breezy Johnson experienced a dramatic turn of events during the women's super-G race on Thursday. After crashing out of the competition, she received a heartwarming surprise at the finish line: a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Connor Watkins.
Crash and Consolation at Tofane
Johnson, who secured a gold medal in the downhill event just days earlier, saw her super-G hopes dashed when she clipped a gate with one of her poles. The incident sent her tumbling into the safety fence, ending her race prematurely. However, the disappointment was quickly overshadowed by a joyous moment as Watkins proposed to her near the finish area, surrounded by members of the US Ski Team.
Johnson enthusiastically accepted the proposal, and the couple shared an emotional embrace, witnessed by teammates and onlookers. She later expressed her delight at leaving the Olympics with both a medal and an engagement ring, humorously noting, "I mean, who doesn't want to leave with a couple pieces of metal?"
A Dream Proposal at the Olympics
In post-race comments, Johnson revealed that she had anticipated the proposal, having previously shared her dream of getting engaged at the Olympics with Watkins. "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."
The couple's relationship began on a dating app, with Watkins, who works in construction, 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," he said.
Reactions and Future Prospects
This engagement adds a personal highlight to Johnson's Olympic journey, blending athletic pursuit with romantic celebration. The event underscores the unpredictable nature of sports, where setbacks can lead to unexpected joys.
- Johnson's crash occurred early in the super-G, preventing her from adding to her medal tally.
- Watkins planned the proposal to align with Johnson's Olympic aspirations, creating a memorable moment.
- The US Ski Team provided a supportive backdrop, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
As Johnson looks ahead, this engagement marks a significant milestone beyond her athletic achievements, showcasing the human stories that enrich major sporting events like the Olympics.
