Olympic Couple Brittany Bowe and Hilary Knight Get Engaged at 2026 Milan Games

Speed skater Bowe shares the story of her Olympic romance and proposal from hockey player Knight.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Olympic speed skater Brittany Bowe and hockey player Hilary Knight's love story began at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where they first connected under strict COVID-19 protocols. After two years of dating long-distance, the couple bought a home together in Salt Lake City and Hilary proposed to Brittany ahead of the 2026 Milan Olympic Games, with both of their families present to witness the special moment.

Why it matters

The engagement of two high-profile LGBTQ+ athletes represents an important milestone for representation and visibility of same-sex couples in professional sports. Brittany and Hilary's story also highlights the unique challenges and joys of maintaining a relationship between two athletes constantly traveling for their careers.

The details

Brittany Bowe and Hilary Knight first met at various Team USA events over the years, but their courtship began at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Despite the strict COVID-19 protocols, the couple enjoyed getting to know each other through socially distanced walks and dinners separated by plexiglass. After two years of long-distance dating, the couple decided to take the next step and buy a home together in Salt Lake City. When it came time for Hilary to propose, she coordinated with Brittany's sister to almost ruin the surprise, but Brittany was still caught off guard when Hilary popped the question ahead of the 2026 Milan Games.

  • Brittany Bowe and Hilary Knight first met at various Team USA events over the years.
  • The couple's courtship began at the 2022 Beijing Olympics under strict COVID-19 protocols.
  • Two years after becoming a couple, Brittany and Hilary bought a home together in Salt Lake City.
  • Hilary proposed to Brittany ahead of the 2026 Milan Olympic Games.

The players

Brittany Bowe

An Olympic speed skater on the U.S. national team.

Hilary Knight

A professional hockey player who has competed for the U.S. women's national ice hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“We were kind of just living in this bubble in Beijing. It almost felt like we were in a reality TV show. We didn't have family, we didn't have friends, we didn't have fans, so there were really no outside distractions. We really just talked a lot and got to know one another on a deep level.”

— Brittany Bowe (Vogue)

“We are both tunnel visioned at times, but we always come back together and realize we are the way we are because we're striving for greatness. In that way, it makes it a lot easier because we do understand one another.”

— Brittany Bowe (Vogue)

What’s next

Brittany Bowe and Hilary Knight plan to celebrate their engagement with both of their families at the 2026 Milan Olympic Games.

The takeaway

The engagement of Brittany Bowe and Hilary Knight represents an important milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports, showcasing the unique joys and challenges of maintaining a relationship between two elite athletes constantly traveling for their careers.