U.S. Skier Johnson Receives Proposal After Missing Second Gold

Engagement Ring Instead of Second Gold Medal

U.S. alpine skier Bree Johnson, 30, missed her second gold medal at the Games but found a happy ending with a proposal from her longtime partner.

Johnson crashed during the women's super-G alpine skiing event on Feb. 13, losing her balance after hitting a gate and colliding with safety fencing. In her fourth Olympic appearance, she had claimed her first career Olympic gold in the downhill event but fell short in her bid for a second title. However, near the finish line, her partner Connor Watkinson presented an engagement ring and proposed. Johnson accepted through tears of joy.

"Most athletes want to peak at the Olympics," Johnson said with a bright smile. "I think I peaked in the best way possible."

Ukraine Awards Medal to Athlete Banned for Memorial Helmet

The Ukrainian government has awarded a state honor to Vladyslav Heraskevych, the skeleton athlete who was barred from competing after attempting to wear a memorial helmet at the Olympics.

According to AFP and DPA, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Feb. 13 that Heraskevych would receive a medal "in recognition of his selfless service to the Ukrainian people, civic courage, and patriotism in defending freedom and democratic values." The Order of Freedom is the second-highest state honor in Ukraine.

Heraskevych wore a helmet featuring images of 24 Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia during practice runs at the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee banned the helmet, citing potential political propaganda violations. When he refused to comply, he was disqualified from the competition.