Olympic glory and love: Huang Yaqiong wins gold and engagement ring

Huang Yaqiong experienced an unforgettable day at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning a gold medal in badminton mixed doubles and receiving a surprise marriage proposal.

Huang, alongside her partner Zheng Siwei, dominated the finals against South Korea's Kim Wonho and Jeong Naeun, achieving victory with scores of 21-8 and 21-11 at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena on Firday.

After the medal ceremony, fellow Chinese badminton player Liu Yuchen made the day even more memorable by proposing to Huang.

Liu, who earned a silver medal in men's doubles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and competed again in Paris, knelt on one knee and presented a ring to Huang. Already holding flowers from the medal ceremony, Huang was visibly surprised and quickly accepted Liu's proposal, much to the delight of the audience. The proposal was broadcast on the videoboard, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Reflecting on the moment, Huang said, "The proposal was very surprising because I’d been preparing for the game," and joked about how perfectly the ring fit. The gesture quickly became a social media sensation, with fans commenting on the unexpected but delightful turn of events. One Weibo user quipped, "This year's medal count can now include a diamond ring," while another remarked, "Liu Yuchen didn't win the Olympic gold medal, but he did win over an Olympic gold medalist."

Huang and Liu's engagement is not the first romantic moment at these Games. Earlier, Argentina's Pablo Simonet proposed to Maria Campoy at the Olympic Village, and American swimmer Lilly King got engaged to her fiancé, James Wells. Additionally, French sailors Sarah Steyaert and Charline Picon received proposals after winning bronze in the women's skiff event in Marseille.