Slovakian athletes find love at finish line in Budapest

Love proved to be the ultimate prize for two Slovakian race walkers at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

The world watched as Dominik Černý got down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend, Hana Burzalová, right as she crossed the finish line of the women's 35-kilometer race.

"Why not in Budapest?" Černý said afterwards, adding; "It was a top-secret thing that nobody knew."

The story began earlier in the day when Černý, who had finished the men's 35km walk about an hour earlier, clocked a personal best time of 2:32:56 to claim 19th place.

As for Burzalová, she was making strides of her own, completing her race in a season-best time of 3:02:47, landing her in 28th place.

Both athletes had personal achievements to celebrate, but Černý had something even more special up his sleeve.

As Burzalová approached the finish line, she saw Černý already down on one knee waiting for her.

Keeping her priorities straight even in this emotionally charged moment, Burzalová made sure to stop her watch before he popped the question.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Burzalová, whose jaw dropped as she crossed the line, was overcome with emotion before saying yes.

Speaking to the press after the sweet moment had unfolded, Černý gave a glimpse into the relationship that had culminated in this touching proposal.

"We have been together for almost one Olympic cycle, almost four years, so I think it was the right time," he explained.

There might be no medals for love, but if there were, these two would undoubtedly be standing on the podium together.

Černý said there were no immediate plans for the couple's next big walk — down the aisle, leaving fans and well-wishers in anticipation of another beautiful journey.

But for now, the moment belonged to them and the joy was palpable. Burzalova happily showed off her shiny engagement ring to the cameras after the sweet moment, adding a touch of sparkle to an already shining day.

Following the proposal, "After he slipped the ring on Burzalova's finger, Černý scooped her up and carried her off the course."

The moment was a heartwarming spectacle for everyone present, illustrating that sometimes the finish line is just the beginning of a new race—a lifelong race filled with love and partnership.

Fortunately, Burzalova had enough breath left after her exertions in the race to say 'yes' to her partner's proposal, with Cerny celebrating by punching the air capping off a day that was, without doubt, a personal best for both athletes in more ways than one.