As athletes, finding a significant other can be a challenge. For some, it’s through unconventional means such as blind dates set up by teammates. Such was the case for Water Polo star Alex Bowen who met his partner Hilary Hansen this way. Despite initial doubts, they stayed connected even during Bowen’s time at the Olympics in Tokyo.
Love and sports may seem like different worlds, but there is a strong level of commitment and dedication required for both. Planning a wedding and training for the Olympics both demand focus and energy, but these athletes are prepared to tackle both challenges head-on.
Swimmer Abbey Weitzeil is balancing her training for Paris 2024 with planning her wedding to fiancé Michael Jensen. She sees the pressure as a motivator and is thriving in this dual role. Similarly, water polo star Maggie Steffens and her partner Tom Gehret plan to marry shortly after a potential gold medal match, while rugby player Charlotte Caslick is set to marry her fellow Aussie rugby player Lewis Holland after a long engagement.
For these couples, the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris are the immediate focus, followed closely by their weddings. As they prepare to compete for gold medals, they are also preparing to start the next chapter of their lives with their partners by their sides.