Love Shines Through Defeat: Sprinter Proposes at Paralympic Games

On a day that seemed set to be defined by athletic performance, Paralympic sprinter Alessandro Ossola experienced one of the most memorable moments of his life—though not for the reasons he initially anticipated. Despite falling short of qualifying for the T63 100 meters final, Ossola’s Sunday took a delightful turn when he proposed to his girlfriend in front of 40,000 spectators at the Stade de France.

As he knelt down to pop the question, Ossola’s partner Arianna was visibly stunned. “You’re crazy!” she exclaimed, overwhelmed by the grand gesture amidst the roaring crowd.

In an emotional reflection on the event, Ossola shared, “Our relationship is like a whirlwind because every athlete needs a strong support system. Sometimes, she believed in me more than I believed in myself, and that’s truly remarkable. Her constant encouragement, ‘You can do it, you can succeed,’ was something I needed deeply. I hope everyone finds someone like her. She is my partner for life.”

Ossola’s journey has been one of profound resilience. A severe motorcycle accident in 2015 resulted in the loss of most of his left leg and claimed the life of his first wife. Yet, sport emerged as a beacon of hope, helping him navigate through a dark period. “After my accident, I lost a lot—everything but my smile. Sport helped me to smile more and more,” he explained.

Reflecting on his performance, Ossola remarked, “Some might say today wasn’t a great day from a sporting perspective, but I view it differently. At 36, competing with the best in the world is something I’m immensely proud of.”

Ossola, who is also known for founding the world’s first inclusive padel circuit and a non-profit organization dedicated to challenging disability stereotypes, hinted that this might be his final Paralympics. Having competed in Tokyo three years ago, he expressed a sense of closure with his recent achievements. “With what I’ve accomplished in Paris, I feel like I’ve completed a chapter. I’m ready to embark on a new path because my life isn’t over—I still have many things left to do,” he added.

The summer Games in Paris have become a backdrop for romance, with numerous athletes choosing to propose to their loved ones. During the Olympics, Argentine handball player Pablo Simonet proposed to hockey player and fellow Argentine Pilar Campoy within the Olympic Village. French athlete Alice Finot also made headlines when she proposed to her boyfriend in the stands at Stade de France after a stellar performance in the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase.

Chinese badminton player Huang Yaqiong was proposed to by her partner and fellow badminton player Liu Yuchen after winning gold in the mixed doubles event. In Marseille, French sailors Charline Picon and Sarah Steyaert celebrated their bronze medals with proposals from their partners.

At the Paralympics, Brazilian badminton player Rogerio Junior Xavier de Oliveira made a memorable proposal to sitting volleyball player Edwarda de Oliveira Dias during the men’s singles SL4 group stage. Holding a sign that read “Edwarda Will You Marry Me?” Xavier’s gesture was met with an emotional response. “What an incredible moment. It was a beautiful surprise. We have been through so much to get here, and today, another dream came true,” Dias said.

Her fiancé added, “I wanted to use this moment to ask her to marry me because she has been crucial in helping me reach this point. She motivated me, made me believe in myself, and guided me here. I am overjoyed to have proposed at this special time.”

The summer Games have thus turned into a celebration not only of athletic prowess but also of love and commitment, making these moments even more unforgettable.