Love on Ice: Heartwarming Stories from the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, Featuring Laura Stacey

Milan (AP) – At the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, the pursuit of medals isn’t the only thing capturing hearts. From the exhilarating ice rinks to the breathtaking snowy hills, a palpable sense of love fills the air. This year’s games are proving to be a celebration of athletic achievement and romantic connection.

Cupid’s Arrow Strikes at the Olympics

Several competitions have already witnessed Cupid’s influence. Dutch skater Jutta Leerdam set an Olympic record in the 1000-meter race, then shared a deeply emotional moment with her fiancé, Jake Paul, in the stands. Both were visibly moved, expressing their affection with heartfelt hand gestures. Downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson also received a heartwarming surprise – a proposal from her longtime boyfriend near the finish line, surrounded by her U.S. Ski Team teammates.

Valentine’s Day Amidst the Games

Valentine’s Day at the Games doesn’t necessarily mean grand gestures, but it’s undeniably special. For some athletes, like Belgium’s Kim Meylemans and Brazil’s Nicole Rocha Silveira, it means competing on a day dedicated to love. This international couple, who play for their respective national teams in the women’s skeleton event, won’t have a traditional romantic dinner. “It’s always a bit of a Valentine’s Day,” Meylemans shared, “It is part of our sport every day, our love.”

The couple feels fortunate their national Olympic committees arranged for them to share housing, a rare privilege typically reserved for teammates. Their room is a charming blend of Belgian and Brazilian décor, symbolizing their union. They fell in love during the pandemic, finding solace and connection in shared short-term rentals. Remarkably, they unknowingly purchased identical engagement rings and planned proposals for the same boat trip in Brazil, ultimately marrying last August.

Before each run, they share a high-five and a kiss, wishing each other well. “It doesn’t matter which one is on the podium. At the end of the day, it’s a victory for our team,” Meylemans said. Rocha Silveira emphasized the importance of their visibility at these Games, particularly in Italy, where same-sex marriages aren’t currently recognized. They hope to “show it even more,” and “encourage and inspire people that they can be themselves.”

Volunteers Share the Love

Lori and Curtis Brown, married for over 30 years, are spending Valentine’s Day volunteering at the skating arena. As part of the 18,000-strong volunteer force keeping the Olympics running smoothly, they’re embracing the adventure together. Curtis joked about hoping their breaks align for dinner with fellow volunteers. “This is the most special Valentine’s Day of our lives,” he said, “Because we’re both here, we’re both on the same page, we’re both enjoying this adventure together.” Lori playfully admitted to buying boxer briefs from the official souvenir store, while Curtis hadn’t yet reciprocated, but a surprise might be in store!

Canadian Hockey Duo Faces Germany

Canadian hockey forward Laura Stacey and her wife, team captain Marie-Philip Poulin, have a particularly exciting Valentine’s Day date: facing off against Germany in the quarterfinals in Milan. “We have a game, we have a big game, so spending it together. We’re pretty lucky,” Stacey said. “Most people don’t get to do what they love, chasing their dreams together, and we do. So I think on February 14th, I think it’s important for us to just appreciate that and not take it for granted.” They plan to exchange cards, a simple gesture to acknowledge the significance of the day.

More Olympic Couples

The Milan Cortina Games are brimming with other couples, including teammates and competitors. U.S. women’s hockey star Hilary Knight is with her girlfriend Brittany Bowe, a speedskater. American figure skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates, married in 2024, recently won a silver medal. U.S. bobsledding also boasts a power couple with Kaysha Love and Hunter Powell, engaged to be married. Alpine skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin is engaged to Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. Italy’s Dominik Fischnaller and the U.S.’s Emily Sweeney are newlyweds, while Latvia’s Martins Bots and Elina Bota compete as a husband-and-wife pair. And in curling, Norway’s Magnus Nedregotten and Kristin Skaslien, Canada’s Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant, and Switzerland’s Yannick Schwaller and Briar Schwaller-Huerlimann add to the romantic atmosphere.

(Source: Associated Press)