Marijke Groenewoud was particularly surprised after her Olympic victory. © APA/afp / PIERO CRUCIATTI

Gold and a marriage proposal: "What more could I wish for?"

First gold, then silver: Dutch speed skater Marijke Groenewoud received an engagement ring shortly after her Olympic victory in the mass start.

February 22, 2026

From: dpa/nie

Her partner Mike Dogterom surprised the newly crowned gold medalist with a marriage proposal. "Suddenly someone got down on one knee in front of me, and all I could think was, 'Oh no, really, is this happening?' I wasn't expecting this at all. It's unbelievable. I can hardly believe what just happened to me," said Groenewoud after her double moment of happiness.

After the awards ceremony, Groenewoud, unsuspecting, climbed a flight of stairs after answering questions from journalists. After a brief hug, Dogterom pulled a small box from his right back trouser pocket and knelt down. Groenewoud quickly said "Yes."

"I competed for Olympic gold today and I will go home with gold and a silver ring. I am overjoyed." Marijke Groenewoud

When asked whether she was more excited about the gold medal or the engagement ring, the 27-year-old replied: “I’ve been asked that a few times now, but I’m very happy about both. I competed for Olympic gold today, and I’m going home with gold and a silver ring. I’m overjoyed.” For Groenewoud, it was the perfect day. “Gold and silver in one day – what more could I ask for?”