Olympic rowing champion proposes to girlfriend with thousands of roses

Best’s proposal was broadcast live on Today magazine. Duncan was surprised when her boyfriend knelt down to propose to her with the Eiffel Tower in the background and dozens of people holding bouquets of yellow roses.

“Lainey Olivia Duncan, you are the love of my life,” Best said as he got down on one knee. “You have been with me since day one.”

“I knew you were special. It was the first date. I said to you, ‘I wanted to go to the Olympics,’ and you, without question, said ‘Yeah, absolutely. Go for it,'” he said. “You are stunningly beautiful, ferociously intelligent. Your kindness is bent leaps and bounds. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t love you.”

Olympic rowing champion Justin Best proposes to his girlfriend Lainey Duncan with Eiffel Tower in the background on Aug. 5, 2024. Photo by Instagram/@justin_besttt

Best concluded: “This is going to be the easiest question of my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and raise a family together. Lainey, will you marry me?”

Duncan immediately said yes.

“I am so, so happy. This is the best day of my life!” she replied.

Best then explained the meaning 2,738 roses, each for a day that they have been together, and he chose yellow because they communicate through Snapchat, where a yellow dot indicates a notification.

Previously on Aug. 1, Best, 26, and three teammates Nick Mead, Michael Grady and Liam Corrigan brought home the gold medal in rowing for the U.S.

Best took up rowing in 2010. He later competed for Drexel University and then was chosen for the Tokyo Olympics. Duncan also graduated from Drexel University with a degree in fashion and design. The couple recently celebrated their ninth anniversary.