Breezy Johnson is leaving the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics with some fresh bling — around her neck, and now, on her ring finger.
The gold medalist in Sunday's women's downhill event was not able make it back to the podium in Thursday's super-G race (in fact, she was fortunate to avoid injury after a scary crash early in her run), but there was still hardware ready for her at the finish line. After the event concluded, boyfriend Connor Watkins found Johnson, dropped to a knee, recited a heartfelt speech, and presented her with a silver engagement ring with a blue gem at its center.
She said yes. The couple kissed as U.S. skiing teammates and coaches cheered.
The proposal put an emotional capper on a dream week for Johnson in Cortina.
"I had told (Connor) that I had always kind of had a dream of getting engaged at the Olympics, but it was very emotional and very exciting," Johnson told NBC's Cara Banks moments later. "And he did a great job."
In 2022, Johnson came out as bisexual, posting on social media that she “wanted to be open about who I am.”
Watkins had been in the Cortina stands all week cheering Johnson on for all three of her events, including the golden downhill run. Watkins said he had his speech written since Wednesday afternoon, but wasn't completely sure where the proposal itself would take place.
"We were really hoping that I could get it (done) in the finish area and do it the way I wanted. And it turned out we could, and we're just super excited," Watkins said.
So what's next for the newly engaged couple now that all of Johnson's events have come and gone?
"We're going to take a little trip after this, may go to Livigno for a few days," Watkins said. "And then we'll see where the road takes us next."
