Brazilian Olympic rugby player Isadora Cerullo, 25, may not have taken home a medal on Sunday, August 8th, but she was still in high spirits when she stepped off the pitch.
After Australia received the first gold medal for women’s rugby sevens in history, Olympic managerial volunteer Marjorie Enya, 28, took to the pitch to propose to Cerullo, her girlfriend of two years. She gave a heartfelt speech over the microphone as other volunteers surrounded them with red and silver heart-shaped balloons. Cerullo tearfully accepted, and Enya tied a yellow ribbon on her finger in lieu of a ring.
“I know rugby people are amazing and I knew that they would embrace it. She is the love of my life. I wanted to show people that love wins,” said Enya.
The Brazilian rugby team placed ninth in this landmark event – the first time women’s rugby has been included in the Olympic Summer Games. The Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian teams medaled, with Great Britain coming in a close fourth.
Although the stadium had mostly cleared by the time of the proposal, the couple were still surrounded by cheering teammates and other volunteers.
“As soon as I knew [Isadora] was in the squad I thought: ‘I have to make this special’,” Enya said to reporters after the event.
Enya and Cerullo currently reside in Sau Paulo, where Cerullo, who is also a United States citizen and former NC resident, moved so she could focus on making the squad for the Rio games.
“The Olympic Games can look like closure but for me it’s starting a new life with someone,” said Enya.
There is no word on whether or not the couple is planning a wedding at this time, but it’s safe to say that their engagement story will be one for the photo album.
