American swimmer Lilly King celebrated an engagement with her boyfriend , James Wells, to top off qualifying for her second event in the 2024 Paris Olympics in historical fashion. The 27-year-old Indiana native was in the process of qualifying for her second race for the prestigious summer event. After earning her spot for the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke in three consecutive games, King was met with a ring proposal from Wells.
The latter, an admitted pillar of support in King's life, waited backstage for her to finish her race. As she stood dripping wet in her swimsuit, he shared the story of their relationship, which involved significant sacrifices such as quitting his job and moving around the country to support her athletic career. READ MORE: Cody Ford's ex Tianna Robillard in tears in car with belongings after breakup READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka opts out of Paris Olympics citing WTA schedule conflict As he continued his heartfelt speech, NBC Sports commented on the event, predicting the emotional climax of his pulling out of the ring.
King pointed out to her new fiancee that her Team USA swimming teammates notified her to wear her hair down but didn't tell her why. She then kissed and hugged Wells as the crowd whistled and cheered for the moment. "I was honestly just so confused [at] why he was on deck.
After that, I was like, 'Why are you wearing your nice clothes? What’s going on?'" said King to the cameras, as Wells wore jeans and a tee shirt. "Then I realize.
