Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice marries pastor in whirlwind romance

Australian Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Rice has married pastor Mark Lassey in a surprise wedding ceremony, marking a significant personal milestone after a rapid ten-month relationship.

The 38-year-old swimmer exchanged vows twice this month, first in a vineyard ceremony at Sandalford Wines and later in a rooftop celebration, both located in Perth.

Rapid romance and religious transformation

Rice, who won three Olympic gold medals, revealed that her swift embrace of Christianity initially concerned friends and family. "A lot of people thought I'd lost my mind or fallen under some cult," she told the Courier Mail.

The couple met at the start of 2024 and got engaged in September after just seven months of dating. Lassey, 46, is a pastor with Kingdom City, a global church organization where Rice has become actively involved since moving to Dubai in late 2023.

Wedding details

The first ceremony at Sandalford Wines featured Rice in a strapless satin gown, while Lassey wore a cream suit. A second celebration followed, with the couple surrounded by international guests who traveled to witness their union.

"We would love to have a family if that's something we're able to do," Rice said, acknowledging Lassey's three children from a previous relationship.

This marriage comes after Rice's recent breakup with Dane Christison earlier in 2024. She has described her current relationship as a period of personal healing and spiritual growth.

The newlyweds plan to make Dubai their home, continuing their journey together under the banner of their shared faith.