American downhill champion Breezy Johnson’s Olympic week in Cortina d’Ampezzo took a romantic turn Thursday when her boyfriend proposed at the base of the super-G course — and even Taylor Swift joined in the celebration.
Johnson, who had already captured gold earlier in the Games, did not add another medal in the women’s super-G. Her race ended in disappointment after she clipped a gate high on the course, lost balance and crashed into the safety fencing. Though shaken, she walked away unharmed. What followed, however, transformed a frustrating afternoon into one of the most memorable moments of her life.
Waiting in the finish area was her longtime boyfriend, Connor Watkins, carrying a ring in his pocket. Surrounded by U.S. ski team members and cameras, Watkins dropped to one knee and proposed just steps from where Johnson had completed her run. As he recited lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song “The Alchemy,” he placed a white gold ring featuring blue and white sapphires on her finger. Johnson, visibly emotional, said yes and held up her hand to show off the ring.
Johnson later said it felt natural to blend two passions — her love of skiing and her relationship — at the Olympics. The setting, she noted, carries a certain magic, and the spontaneous photography didn’t hurt either. What she didn’t expect was a congratulatory message from Swift herself.
After Johnson shared the proposal on Instagram, Swift commented using another lyric from “The Alchemy,” writing, “Where’s the trophy? He just comes running over to me. CONGRATULATIONS!!!” Johnson responded playfully, joking that she couldn’t decide which was better — the Olympic gold medal or the pop superstar’s comment — and even invited Swift to learn how to ski.
The couple’s story began a few years ago on a dating app. Watkins, who works in construction, initially had no idea Johnson was a world-class skier. It wasn’t until about 10 minutes into their first brunch date that he learned about her elite athletic career. Over time, he developed an appreciation for the sport and became one of her biggest supporters.
The timing of the proposal added emotional depth to the moment. About an hour before Watkins knelt down, Johnson had been coping with the sting of her crash. She admitted she felt embarrassed and vulnerable after the fall — the kind of moment when having loved ones nearby matters most. Seeing Watkins in the finish area brought comfort, she said, and what started as a chance to commiserate turned into something far more meaningful.
Watkins later shared that he briefly considered whether he should postpone the proposal after the crash, wondering if the timing might feel off. Ultimately, he went through with the plan he had carefully prepared, and it proved to be exactly what Johnson needed.
For Johnson, the engagement capped off an already extraordinary Olympic experience. Most athletes hope to reach their peak at the Games, she joked. In her case, she felt she had gone beyond that.
Between standing atop the podium earlier in the week and now beginning a new chapter in her personal life, Johnson leaves Cortina with far more than hardware. She departs with a ring, a viral celebrity shoutout and a story that will likely endure just as long as her Olympic triumph.
