China’s Huang Yaqiong celebrated a memorable victory at the Paris Olympics, clinching the Gold medal in mixed doubles badminton and receiving a surprise marriage proposal from her boyfriend and fellow shuttler, Liu Yuchen. The emotional moment unfolded on August 2 at the La Chapelle Arena, where the packed crowd witnessed Liu’s heartfelt gesture following Huang’s triumph.
Huang, 30, had just secured China’s first-ever Olympic Gold medal in badminton’s mixed doubles category, alongside her partner Zheng Si Wei. The duo delivered a commanding performance in the final, defeating South Korea’s Kim Won Ho and Jeong Na Eun with scores of 21-8, 21-11 in just 41 minutes.
As Huang stood on the podium with her Gold medal draped around her neck, Liu Yuchen, who had competed in the men’s doubles event with Ou Xuan Yi, approached her with a proposal. Despite being eliminated in the group stage, Liu made the moment unforgettable by getting down on one knee and presenting an engagement ring. The crowd’s excitement reached a crescendo as Huang tearfully accepted the proposal with a resounding “yes.”
In an emotional response, Huang expressed her astonishment and joy. “I cannot describe the feeling I have because I am happy, happy, happy,” Huang said. “Getting the Gold medal is recognition of our journey. I was surprised by the engagement ring. I’ve been focusing on training to become an Olympic champion. I never expected it.” She added that she had not yet planned how they would celebrate the engagement.
Zheng Si Wei, who partnered with Huang to secure the Gold, announced that this would be his final Olympic appearance. He acknowledged the significant support from his family and fans, which, he said, greatly motivated him during the Games. “The support they gave us was much greater than we could have imagined. So I’m very, very grateful to them,” Zheng remarked.
This blend of Olympic glory and personal milestone added an extraordinary touch to the Paris Games, marking a day of both athletic achievement and personal celebration for Huang and Liu.
