Olympic Proposal: Ukrainian Skier Says Yes on Valentine's Day at 2026 Games
In a heartwarming moment that transcended competition, Ukrainian freestyle skier Kateryna Kotsar received a surprise marriage proposal during the women's big air qualifications at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy. The romantic gesture occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026—Valentine's Day—creating an unforgettable Olympic memory.
A High-Flying Proposal
As Kotsar prepared for her qualification runs in the demanding big air discipline, her boyfriend Bogdan Fashtryga approached her on the snow with a ring. The emotional proposal unfolded before international media and spectators, with Kotsar accepting amid the Olympic setting. Photographs captured the tender moment as Fashtryga knelt in the snow while Kotsar, still in her competition gear, reacted with visible emotion.
The big air event, which features skiers performing complex aerial tricks off massive jumps, provided a dramatic backdrop for the personal milestone. Kotsar, representing Ukraine in one of freestyle skiing's most visually spectacular disciplines, now carries both Olympic aspirations and engagement excitement through the remainder of the Games.
Olympic Context and Timing
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have already produced numerous memorable stories, but this personal moment stands out for its timing and symbolism. Occurring on Valentine's Day during global competition, the engagement adds a human dimension to the athletic spectacle. Kotsar's participation continues Ukraine's strong tradition in winter sports despite ongoing challenges facing the nation.
Freestyle skiing has grown increasingly popular in Olympic programming, with big air making its second Winter Games appearance after debuting in 2022. The discipline requires athletes to execute their most difficult tricks while achieving maximum amplitude and clean landings—a fitting metaphor for taking life's big leaps.
Broader Olympic Narrative
While Kotsar's engagement captured immediate attention, the 2026 Games have featured multiple significant Canadian performances. Most notably, Mikael Kingsbury secured Canada's first Olympic gold medal in men's dual moguls, adding to his legendary status in freestyle skiing. Other Canadian stories include team successes in curling and concerns about ski trip safety following a student injury at a western Quebec hill.
The Olympic proposal story resonates particularly because it demonstrates how personal milestones intersect with global sporting events. As athletes compete under intense pressure, such moments remind audiences of the human stories behind the performances.
Looking Forward
Kotsar will continue her Olympic journey in the big air competition, now with additional personal motivation. The engagement story has already become one of the defining human-interest narratives of the 2026 Winter Games, showcasing how Olympic platforms can celebrate both athletic achievement and personal joy simultaneously.
