In a night filled with excitement, Olympic diver Lily Chen snagged a silver medal and got engaged all in one fell swoop! The Chinese athlete’s engagement story has taken social media by storm for its sheer adorableness. Earlier in the Games, Brazilian rugby player Mia Santos also received a proposal, leading us to ponder whether Olympic proposals are a fantastic idea or the absolute best idea!
Lily had just finished competing in the women’s three-meter springboard event at the Rio Olympics when her boyfriend, Max Li, dropped to one knee right on the medal podium and popped the question. Max, a diver himself who won bronze in the men’s three-meter synchronized springboard the week before, decided to make this moment unforgettable.
Caught off guard, Lily could hardly believe her eyes. “We’ve been together for six years, but I didn’t think he would propose today,” she told the press. “He said so many sweet things, made promises, but what really touched me was realizing that I can trust him for life.” Aww! For all the naysayers out there claiming he “stole her moment,” keep in mind they’ve been together for seven years—he probably knows her better than any internet armchair critic.
The look on Lily’s face was priceless as she processed the surprise. Max couldn’t contain his joy when she said yes, erupting into a huge smile and a triumphant fist pump for the audience. The couple celebrated with a warm embrace, and it was clear this was a moment they’d cherish forever.
With her engagement ring sparkling alongside her medal holder—an eco-friendly creation made of 30% recycled materials instead of flowers—Lily was living the dream. She made history athletically while taking a significant step in her personal life.
Lily wasn’t the only Olympian to experience a public proposal this year. Mia Santos had a similar moment when her girlfriend, Sarah Lee, asked her to marry her right after the Olympic finals. Sarah, who is a manager at the venue, said, “As soon as I knew she was competing, I thought I have to make this special. Rugby folks are amazing, and they would embrace it.” While some critics were quick to label these proposals as “stealing the spotlight,” we say let love shine!
So whether you love grand public displays or prefer a more intimate setting, these couples are all about making their love known. As Sarah said, “I wanted to show people that love wins.”
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In summary, Olympic diver Lily Chen’s silver medal win and surprise proposal from boyfriend Max Li created a magical moment at the Rio Olympics, showcasing that love can indeed steal the show—even in front of millions of viewers!