Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 7, 2024 11:43 pm GMT
10 Paralympians Who Are Currently Dating or Married to Other Elite Athletes
The Paralympics not only showcase incredible athletic talents but also serve as a backdrop for inspiring love stories. Many elite athletes find their partners in the world of sports, and these couples support and uplift each other in their professional journeys. Here are ten remarkable Paralympians who have found love with fellow athletes, either in the Paralympic or Olympic arenas.
- Hunter Woodhall and Tara Davis-Woodhall
American Paralympic track and field athlete Hunter Woodhall married Olympic track and field athlete Tara Davis-Woodhall in 2022. Their love story began at a high school track meet in Idaho in 2017. After dating long-distance for a while, they got engaged after competing in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. A heartfelt moment during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Tara won a gold medal, showcased their strong support for one another, with Tara sharing, “He’s my biggest supporter.”
- Rogerio Junior Xavier de Oliveira and Edwarda Dias
Brazilian Paralympic badminton player Rogerio Junior Xavier de Oliveira recently proposed to fellow Paralympic athlete Edwarda Dias, a volleyball player, during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The couple shares a strong bond and has been competing together since Edwarda took up badminton in 2022. Rogerio admires Edwarda’s commitment to her sport and credits her support as motivation in his athletic career.
- Robyn Love and Laurie Williams
British wheelchair basketball players Robyn Love and Laurie Williams are not only teammates but also life partners. Since 2014, they have supported each other’s journeys, culminating in the birth of their daughter, Alba, in 2023. Robyn expressed how working with Laurie elevates her performance, stating, “I do not think I would be as good of a basketball player if it wasn’t for her.”
- Stefano Raimondi and Giulia Terzi
Italian Paralympic swimmers Stefano Raimondi and Giulia Terzi are a power couple with their newborn son, Edoardo, watching them compete. They met at a national team meeting and have been a source of encouragement for one another throughout their careers. Stefano describes Giulia as “the light of my life,” emphasizing the positive energy she brings to their lives.
- Christiana Alabi and Kayode Alabi
Nigerian table tennis players Christiana and Kayode Alabi made history as the first African couple to compete at the Paralympics after they married in 2022. Their journey together has become inspiring not just on the court but also in raising awareness of disabled athletes in Africa.
- Oksana Masters and Aaron Pike
Oksana Masters, a multi-sport athlete, and her fiancé Aaron Pike, a wheelchair racer, first connected over a shared love of skiing. Their relationship blossomed during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, leading to their engagement during a private trip to the Grand Tetons in 2022. They both push each other to excel in their respective sports, strengthening their dedication.
- Lauren Rowles and Jude Hamer
Team Great Britain Paralympian Lauren Rowles is engaged to retired Paralympian basketball player Jude Hamer. Their relationship began during the first UK coronavirus lockdown in 2020, and they quickly bonded over shared interests. Lauren credits Jude with giving her the confidence to embrace her visibility as a gay, disabled athlete.
- Kym Crosby and Erik Hightower
American Paralympic athlete Kym Crosby married Erik Hightower, a retired wheelchair racer, in 2018. Their shared experiences as athletes foster a strong partnership that supports their athletic goals.
- Prachi Yadav and Manish Kaurav
Indian Paralympic canoeists Prachi Yadav and Manish Kaurav began their romantic journey through shared training sessions, officially tying the knot in 2020. Their relationship highlights the camaraderie and mutual encouragement that often exists within sporting communities.
- Hannah Cockroft and Nathan Maguire
British wheelchair racers Hannah Cockroft and Nathan Maguire’s romance began at a Youth Sport Trust talent day in 2012. They strengthened their bond through training, eventually getting engaged in 2021. Their relationship emphasizes that “being together has made us both better athletes,” illustrating the positive impact of romantic partnerships in athletics.
These ten couples show how love and sports can go together really well. They inspire each other and their fans all over the world. From the first sparks at competitions to celebrating big wins together, their stories remind us how strong connections can be in the world of sports.
