**A Medal and a Ring: Gold Medallist Marijke Groenewoud Engaged After Mass Start Win**
February 21, 2026, will be a date forever etched in the memory of Marijke Groenewoud from the Netherlands. Shortly after clinching her first Olympic gold medal, the 27-year-old speed skater received a surprise engagement proposal from her boyfriend, Mike Dogterom.
On that memorable Saturday, Groenewoud showcased her exceptional talent in the women’s mass start final, thus contributing to the Netherlands’ achievement of their tenth gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Games. This remarkable success marks the Netherlands’ most triumphant Winter Olympics to date.
As she exited the medal ceremony, still in disbelief over her victory, Groenewoud was delighted to see her family, along with Dogterom waiting for her. In a touching moment, he knelt down and asked her to marry him, to which she joyfully replied ‘yes.’
Interestingly, Groenewoud is not the only athlete to have experienced a proposal during these Winter Olympics; earlier in the week, American speed skater Brittany Bowe was similarly proposed to by her partner, ice hockey player Hilary Knight.
