The engagement of Team USA Alpine skier Breezy Johnson at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina exemplifies a remarkable convergence of athletic achievement, personal milestone, and cultural resonance. On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Johnson competed in the women’s super-G event at the Olimpia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Although she crashed during the run and did not medal in that discipline—having already secured gold in the women’s downhill earlier in the Games—the day transformed into one of profound personal significance.
As Johnson reached the finish area, her boyfriend of over two years, Connor Watkins, a former Villanova University quarterback, awaited her. He dropped to one knee and proposed marriage, presenting an engagement ring featuring a blue gemstone (described in reports as blue and white sapphires set in white gold, with pave diamond accents on one side). Accompanying the ring was a custom-engraved wooden box inscribed with the lyric “Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?” from Taylor Swift’s 2024 song “The Alchemy,” a track from her album The Tortured Poets Department. The song is widely interpreted as referencing Swift’s relationship with her fiancé, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, blending themes of chemistry, inevitability, and romance.
Johnson, visibly emotional, accepted the proposal amid cheers from onlookers, family, and team members. In her Instagram post shortly afterward, she shared a carousel of images capturing the moment: embraces at the finish line, close-ups of the ring and engraved box, and joyful expressions between the couple. She captioned the announcement playfully: “Hey guys… meet Connor! My ex-boyfriend! And current fiancé!!! Thank you to everyone who made this moment possible. It was everything I ever dreamed of. Kind of like Connor!” Johnson had previously shared in interviews that she had long harbored a dream of an Olympic engagement, even hinting to Watkins about the possibility. The timing, following her super-G run, added an element of serendipity, turning a competitive disappointment into enduring celebration.
The nod to Taylor Swift did not go unnoticed by the artist herself. Swift promptly commented on Johnson’s Instagram post, quoting another line from “The Alchemy”: “‘Where’s the trophy? He just comes running over to me’ CONGRATULATIONS!!!” The reference cleverly tied into the Olympic context—evoking the imagery of a victorious partner rushing to celebrate—while acknowledging the proposal’s thoughtful incorporation of her lyrics. Johnson responded enthusiastically on her Story, writing “I am deaddddddd,” conveying overwhelmed delight. Swift’s additional playful reply in some accounts mentioned “Sourdough engagement gift please???? would love to teach you to ski,” further endearing her to fans and highlighting her approachable engagement with admirers.
This interaction underscores Swift’s enduring cultural influence, extending beyond music into sports and personal narratives. “The Alchemy,” with its alchemical metaphors for transformative love, resonated deeply here, symbolizing the “chemistry” between Johnson and Watkins. Their relationship began on the dating app Bumble, evolving into a supportive partnership amid Johnson’s demanding career. Watkins’ gesture—planning the proposal at the Olympics, engraving the box, and aligning it with Johnson’s known admiration for Swift—demonstrated meticulous thoughtfulness.
The event garnered widespread media attention and fan enthusiasm. Team USA and U.S. Ski & Snowboard publicly congratulated the couple, emphasizing the joy amid the high-stakes environment of the Games. Johnson’s week had already been extraordinary: gold in downhill, followed by this life-changing moment. The proposal sparked discussions on social media about blending pop culture with athletic triumphs, with many praising the creativity and romance.
For Johnson, a 30-year-old from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the engagement represents a new chapter. Known for her resilience after injuries and her outspoken nature, she has become a prominent figure in Alpine skiing. Watkins, supportive throughout her Olympic campaign, now transitions from boyfriend to fiancé in a setting few could replicate. The couple’s story highlights how personal milestones can intersect with global spectacles, creating memories that transcend competition.
Swift’s comment amplified the narrative, bridging her fanbase with the Olympic audience. It reinforced themes of destiny and celebration in “The Alchemy,” while offering a gracious endorsement of the couple’s happiness. As Johnson and Watkins begin planning their future, this Olympic proposal—enhanced by a pop icon’s lyrical blessing—stands as a heartwarming testament to love, timing, and shared dreams in the spotlight of international sport.
