Additional Coverage:
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – While many athletes at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics are chasing gold, silver, or bronze, American alpine skier Breezy Johnson left the slopes with an entirely different kind of precious metal: an engagement ring!
Fresh off her run in the women’s super-G event on Thursday, Johnson received a surprise proposal from her boyfriend, Connor Watkins, near the finish line. Surrounded by cheering members of the U.S.
Ski Team, Johnson emphatically said “Yes!” to Watkins’ question.
The U.S. federation quickly shared their congratulations on social media, writing, “Huge congrats to Breezy and Connor on their engagement.”
The 30-year-old Olympian proudly displayed her new bling: a stunning blue sapphire encircled by white sapphires, all set in white gold.
Watkins revealed to NBC News that he had been meticulously planning the proposal for over a year. Johnson admitted she had a hunch, having previously shared her dream of getting engaged at the Olympics.
This memorable moment caps off an already extraordinary Olympics for Johnson. She secured her first Olympic gold medal in the women’s downhill on Sunday and narrowly missed a podium finish in the women’s combined event. While she didn’t complete the super-G race, the consolation prize of a sparkling engagement ring is undoubtedly a highlight she’ll cherish forever.