A Swiss skier has gotten engaged.

The ski star and a "kitschy" marriage proposal

A Swiss skier recently got engaged – and is therefore starting the new season with an extra dose of motivation.

11 December 2025

From: det

She's a true exception in the ski circuit – not so much because of her results, where others may be more successful. But Joana Hählen possesses something that makes her unique: The Swiss skier competes despite torn cruciate ligaments in both knees and still performs at a world-class level. This weekend, the 33-year-old speed specialist will be back in action in St. Moritz – and will be fueled by a personal moment of happiness.

Hählen recently got engaged. In August, she announced that her longtime boyfriend Lorenz had popped the question. The answer was, of course, yes. "It was always clear to us that we wanted to grow old together. And yet, the engagement has brought us even closer in a special way – that's wonderful," Hählen told [publication name]. Look.

Joana Hählen wants to celebrate again. © AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI

The Swiss woman describes the day of the proposal as "beautifully kitschy." Why? "In the morning, I was skiing in Zermatt. In the afternoon, we went stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Thun (a lake in the canton of Bern, editor's note). We barbecued, swam – it was wonderful. We sat on the shore and watched the sunset. Then Lorenz told me to stand up. He got down on one knee, asked me – and gave me the ring. The perfect day," says Hählen.

Olympic Games – and then what?

The star skier, who has reached the World Cup podium five times in her career, could also imagine starting a family someday. But for now, her focus remains on her sporting career. "Right now, I'm only thinking about the start of the season. And the Olympic Games. They're a huge goal. I've been to Pyeongchang and Beijing. Now I really want to compete in Cortina," said Hählen. The Swiss skier left open the question of whether the Olympic season would be her last winter as a top athlete: "I'll decide in the spring."