Paris 2024: Paralympians propose in the ‘City of Love’

Italian runner Alessandro Ossola, 36, proposed to his girlfriend Arianna at Stade de France in front of around 40,000 people after running in his 100 meters T63 heat. Although he finished fifth and missed the final by just 0.5 seconds, his disappointment quickly faded.

Ossola got down on his prosthetic knee on the purple track and held up a silver diamond ring for Arianna, who was in the front row. She said yes, and they shared a kiss, which thrilled the crowd.

“I thought about proposing here a few weeks ago,” Ossola said. “I wanted a special occasion, and the Paralympic Games were perfect.” The couple, who met in Sanremo, Italy, in 2019, were overjoyed with the moment. Arianna was shocked by the proposal, saying, “I didn’t expect it. My only thought was: ‘He was crazy!’”

Tracy Otto and Rick Riessle

US Paralympic archer Tracy Otto, 28, didn’t win a medal, but she got an unforgettable surprise. Her partner, Rick Riessle, proposed to her under the lit-up Eiffel Tower at night. Otto was left speechless and crying as she accepted, and they sealed their engagement with a kiss.

Otto credited Riessle for supporting her through a tough time after she was attacked by an ex-boyfriend five years ago. “He is my life,” she said. “He helped me through my injuries and brought me back to Florida so we could be together.”

But there’s more good news. Otto revealed on Instagram that she and Riessle are expecting a baby in January 2025.

Rogerio Junior and Edwarda de Oliveira Dias

Brazilian badminton player Rogerio Junior Xavier de Oliveira, 23, proposed to sitting volleyball player Edwarda de Oliveira Dias, 25. He popped the question on the badminton court, holding up a ring.

“She is the love of my life and has motivated me,” Oliveira said. Edwarda was surprised by the proposal and said, “It’s a dream come true. I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m very lucky to have him.”

Lionel Morales Gonzalez and Jes

Spanish Para triathlete Lionel Morales Gonzalez proposed to his girlfriend Jes at the Paralympic Village. In a video, he got down on his prosthetic knee and pulled out a ring, telling her in Spanish, “You have made my world better.” Jes said yes, and they hugged.

Morales Gonzalez had planned the proposal for Paris and now looks forward to planning their wedding.