Two-time Olympic gold medalist Lilly King has already had an unforgettable week.
Then, on Thursday night, an unexpected moment of joy occurred.
The 27-year-old King already qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by winning the 100 breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Indianapolis earlier this week, and then qualified for that race by placing second to Kate Douglas in the 200 breaststroke on Thursday night.
But what really shocked the swimmer was what happened after the race.
Her boyfriend, James Wells, was caught on camera proposing engagement.
And the answer was a resounding “yes.”
Wells, a former swimmer who both attended Indiana University, revealed that someone had told her to let her hair down for a while, then delivered an emotional monologue as King looked on in amazement.
“It’s been so wonderful watching you grow up and I don’t regret for a second quitting my job and moving half way across the country to be with you. It’s been so wonderful and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. So, Lilia Camille King, will you marry me?” Wells asked.
Wells got down on one knee and waited with bated breath for King’s answer, which was yes, and the two shared an embrace and a kiss, all caught on camera by NBC.
Fellow swimmer Ryan Murphy wasn’t there when it happened but said he was “unbelievable” when he heard the news.
“I didn’t see it,” Murphy said. “It’s incredible. I would love to hear her reaction when she was out of breath and wet and got proposed to. It’s incredible. She must have been in the throes of orgasm.”
With a total of five Olympic medals to her name, and a ring on her hand, King is looking to win even more trophies this summer.
