Paralympian’s proposal shines after emerging from darkness

Italian sprinter Alessandro Ossola made a memorable exit from the Paris 2024 Paralympics by proposing to his girlfriend in front of a massive crowd at the Stade de France on Sunday. While his initial goal was to secure a gold medal, Ossola will depart with a heartwarming and unforgettable moment.

After narrowly missing a spot in the final T63 100m race, the 36-year-old athlete seized the moment to make a genuinely unforgettable proposal.

With energy, he sprinted towards his parents and girlfriend, Arianna, who eagerly watched from the stands. Without wasting a moment, he dropped down on one knee and posed the question that had been burning in his heart.

Ossola recounted the exhilarating moment to the BBC World Service: "She responded with the words 'You're crazy, you're crazy' and then kissed me."

Unfortunately, I fell short of reaching the final, feeling quite disheartened. However, after just three minutes, a sense of strangeness overcame me, and I couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of life. Despite this, I felt genuinely content and filled with happiness."

Months of careful planning went into this.

Ossola was well aware that his performance in the race was more significant in the bustling city of Paris than his final placement.

"I purchased the ring and entrusted it to my friend for safekeeping until the race's conclusion," he explained.

"The Paralympics is an incredible competition and a remarkable venue to showcase one's abilities. The athlete's performance was truly captivating."

Ossola, a Turin resident who debuted in Tokyo in 2020, found his proposal particularly meaningful due to the challenges and profound losses he experienced throughout his life.

In 2015, tragedy struck when a motorcycle accident claimed the life of his first wife and left Ossola with the devastating consequence of having to undergo a significant amputation of his left leg.

During that period, he described his surroundings as nothing but darkness.

"After a long journey, I have finally arrived, and I can't help but smile," he stated.

"It was a challenging period for me, despite my optimistic nature." "Sports provide an escape from the darkness and turmoil that I face," he said.

Ossola attributes his Para-athletics training to his ability to maintain a forward-looking perspective.

He is optimistic that the Paralympics will significantly change societal perceptions of disability.

"I find it disheartening when people make assumptions about my abilities and say things like 'You are disabled, ah, you are going to Paralympics'."

"That's not the case." Only the most exceptional athletes worldwide have the privilege of competing in the Paralympics. I am filled with pride to be here.

Ossola states that he and Arianna, a recently engaged couple, have modest plans for the remainder of their time in Paris.

"This is a satisfying dinner," he remarked.

"Paris, often called the city of love, was the perfect setting for me to propose to my partner. It holds a special place in our hearts, and we deeply admire this beautiful city."