Listen to Story US Olympian Justin Best, who scripted history by winning the first gold medal in rowing for his country, proposed to his long-time girlfriend with 2,738 yellow roses in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower. The proposal, which was broadcast on live TV, won hearts across the world. Justin Best and USA Today shared the video of the proposal on Instagram.
"Lainey Olivia Duncan, you are the love of my life," the Olympic champion said as he knelt before a visibly stunned Duncan. "I knew you were special from our first date. I told you I wanted to go to the Olympics, and you, without hesitation, said, 'Yeah, absolutely.
Go for it.'" Best continued his heartfelt speech, saying, "You are stunningly beautiful and ferociously intelligent. Your kindness knows no bounds — I don't know anyone who doesn't love you.
" As he brought out the ring from his pocket, Best said, "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, overwhelmed with emotions, said "yes" with tears in her eyes.
The couple was cheered on by dozens of people holding bouquets of yellow roses. 2,738 roses were used in the proposal, which symbolised each day the couple had spent together. "Each yellow rose represents a day that you and I have been together.
Our streak on Snapchat is 2,738 days right now. So there are 2,738 yellow roses from Snapchat. Our love is truly now immortalised," Best told USA Today.
"I am so, so happy. This is the best day of my life," he added. Take a look at Justin Best's dreamy proposal to his girlfriend Lainey Duncan here: A post shared by TODAY (@todayshow) An investment analyst by profession, Justin Best updated his LinkedIn profile after his Olympic victory.
In addition to "Junior Analyst at Union Square Advisors," it now proudly reads "Olympic Champion.".
