Breezy Johnson, a downhill skiing champion, did not secure another Olympic medal in the women’s Super-G event on Thursday. However, she received a precious gift at Tofane – an engagement ring from her longtime boyfriend, Connor Watkins.
Watkins proposed to Johnson near the finish line, surrounded by members of the U.S. Ski Team. Quoting lyrics from a Taylor Swift song, Watkins placed a ring adorned with blue and white sapphires on Johnson’s left ring finger, which she tearfully accepted. Johnson then proudly displayed the ring to the cameras, celebrating the realization of a dream.
Reflecting on the moment, Johnson expressed that combining her love for skiing with the romance of the Olympics felt significant to her. She humorously noted the added perk of receiving free photography at the event.
The couple first met on a dating app a few years ago, with Watkins initially unaware of Johnson’s exceptional skiing prowess. It was only during their first date, a brunch, that Johnson revealed her identity as a top skier, which surprised Watkins, who works in construction in the U.S. Watkins admitted that over time, he grew to appreciate and love the sport.
The heartwarming proposal took place shortly after Johnson’s unfortunate crash during her Super-G run, where she clipped a gate with her pole and tumbled into the catch fence. Despite the mishap, Johnson emerged unharmed.
In the finish area, Watkins, with the ring in his pocket, briefly pondered whether the timing was right for the proposal. Ultimately, his presence provided Johnson with the comfort and support she needed after the challenging race.
Johnson described the experience as elevating her already surreal Olympic journey in Milano-Cortina to a whole new level. She expressed her gratitude for peaking not only in her athletic performance but also in her personal life.
Overall, the engagement added an unforgettable chapter to Johnson’s Olympic adventure, showcasing the blend of love, sport, and unexpected joy.
