A wonderful day just got even more magical for top triathlete Jeanne Lehair when she accepted a marriage proposal minutes after the biggest win of her career.
The French-born athlete, who now races for Luxembourg, powered to an already-emotional victory at Supertri Toulouse on Sunday.
Emotional because she had previously endured shocking bad luck in the past- including a penalty and a puncture – at what is her hometown race.
And she had also been pipped for the overall Supertri crown two years ago when looking in pole position.
But this time things turned out very, very differently.
‘Happy ending’
She knew a win would guarantee the title but her three main rivals were with her virtually every step of the way in the south of France.
However an injection of pace early on the final run put distance between herself and the rest – and she would never look back.
She crossed the line just three seconds ahead of teammate Léonie Périault to not only win the race and take the overall title – but also the teams prize, with a little under $1million up for grabs in that sphere.
“I’m almost more relieved than happy,” said Lehair soon afterwards. “I mean I’m super happy but I think when I crossed the line I was like ‘amen’ and ‘finally’.
“And winning the overall title too – finally it’s a happy ending.”
But little did she know, things were about to get even happier.
What a way to get engaged
Heading onto the stage to collect her array of trophies, the smiles continued.
But then Adam Leitch, Supertri’s Director of Communications, asked the other athletes to step off the podium.
And on came Lehair’s partner Nathan Lessmann, a fellow pro triathlete.
He got down on one knee, produced a ring and asked her to marry him.
The answer was obviously yes – or oui – and the celebrations were off to the perfect start!
“Oh my god, I was not ready for that,” said Jeanne afterwards. “He’s not one to do the ‘show’ so I was like, ‘what is happening’! So a lot of emotion right now.
“This is a day that will stay in the book of my life forever.”
And Nathan added: “It’s so special – this city has been our home for two years now. Our families were here today too.”
