Paris is known as the “City of Love” for a reason. French athlete Alice Finot made headlines after her remarkable performance in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Stade de France.
Finot not only claimed fourth place but also set a new European record with a time of 8:58.67, becoming the first woman in the event's history to finish in under 9 minutes. Her achievement was met with cheers and support from the home crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the stadium.
Reflecting on her performance, Finot expressed her emotions post-race, stating, “I’m 7 seconds under my personal record. That’s a European record. I managed to express myself. There was a lot of apprehension before the race, but I seized the moment. It’s the moment where you want to be here, there is no second chance.”
However, the excitement didn't end with her record-breaking run. In a heartwarming gesture, Finot made her way to the stands after the race to propose to her boyfriend, adding an unforgettable personal touch to her already historic day.
Finot's proposal was not the only romantic moment at the Games, as Chinese badminton player Huang Yaqiong was also proposed to by her boyfriend and fellow badminton player Liu Yuchen after winning gold in the mixed doubles event.
These touching moments of love and achievement have added a special dimension to the ongoing sporting events, showcasing the power of passion both on and off the field.