American swimmer Lilly King received an extra surprise last Thursday night after her second-place finish in the women’s 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic trials. Her longtime boyfriend, former Indiana University swimmer James Wells, proposed to her as she was leaving the pool deck after qualifying for her second individual event. King, who had already qualified with a win in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke, immediately said “yes” to the proposal, sealing their engagement with a kiss. The couple’s romantic moment was captured on video and shared by NBC Sports for fans to see.
King, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time Olympic medalist overall, is now preparing to compete in her third Summer Games in Paris next month. Despite feeling completely caught off guard by the proposal, King was overjoyed at the unexpected turn of events. Her former teammate Annie Lazor had apparently tipped her off to put her hair down just moments before the proposal took place. Team USA’s Ryan Murphy expressed his amazement at the surprise engagement, wondering how King felt to be proposed to while out of breath and soaked after a race.
Following her silver medal win in the women’s 200-meter breaststroke and bronze in the 100-meter breaststroke in Tokyo, King is determined to add more medals to her collection in Paris. Her dedication and hard work in and out of the pool have been admired by Wells, who made the decision to move halfway across the country to be with King. He expressed his excitement for their future together and the growth he has witnessed in King over the past four years. The couple’s romantic moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship as they anticipate the next phase of their lives together.
The unexpected engagement between Lilly King and James Wells has captured the hearts of fans and fellow athletes alike. The couple’s love story unfolding at the U.S. Olympic trials added an element of romance to the intense competition taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium. King’s swift “yes” to Wells’ proposal was a heartwarming moment that showcased the couple’s deep bond and commitment to each other. As they celebrate their engagement and look forward to their future together, King’s fans are excited to see what more success she will achieve in her swimming career at the upcoming Summer Games in Paris.
King’s journey as an Olympic swimmer has been marked by victories and challenges, but her dedication and perseverance have brought her to the pinnacle of the sport. Her success in the pool has been matched by her personal happiness with Wells, whose unwavering support has been a constant in her life. The couple’s engagement is a testament to their love and commitment to each other, as they embark on this new chapter together. King’s accomplishments as a swimmer and her newfound status as a soon-to-be bride have added another layer of excitement to her already impressive career, cementing her as a talented athlete and a woman in love.
As King continues to train and prepare for the upcoming Summer Games in Paris, she does so with the love and support of Wells by her side. Their engagement has brought an extra level of joy and meaning to King’s journey as an Olympic swimmer, and fans are eager to see her compete in the pool once again. With her eye on more medals and victories, King is determined to make her mark in Paris and showcase her talent on the world stage. As she balances her personal life with her athletic pursuits, King remains a shining example of perseverance, dedication, and love in the world of competitive swimming.
