Our Favorite Sporty Love Stories

Love is in the air here at Sportsish. With Valentine’s Day approaching quickly, we want to take a trip down memory lane and share some of our favorite heartwarming tales of romance from the world of sports. It’s like one of those storybooks you had growing up that featured your favorite fairy tales—except instead of fairy tales, we’re highlighting sports couples and their love stories. Caution: Reading this may melt your heart!

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens

As a professional football player, you might expect Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens to be the bigger star in the relationship. However, that’s not the case when you marry the GOAT, 11-time Olympic Gymnastics medalist Simone Biles.

How did these two professional athletes from very different sports end up together? In classic Millennial fashion, they met on the dating app Raya in March 2020. Shockingly, Jonathan didn’t know who Simone was but was (of course) interested in her when he saw her. Simone hard launched their relationship on August 2, 2020, with a classic Instagram selfie of them. Less than two years later, after one Olympics, Jonathan proposed on February 15, 2022. Later that month, the engaged couple appeared on the Today show, where they discussed how their shared experiences as athletes and starting their relationship during the pandemic helped them connect and allowed their relationship to flourish.

Simone and Jonathan officially became the Owens in Houston in April 2023. They celebrated with a larger ceremony in Cabo, Mexico, a month later. The newlyweds looked absolutely radiant in the tropical sun as their family and friends watched on.

Despite being professional athletes, the couple always supports each other by cheering during their respective competitions. In Simone Biles' Netflix documentary, “Simone Biles Rising,” she discussed the comfort her husband provided following her withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics. She also expressed how much she enjoys attending his football games, where he is the center of attention. When Simone became the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, Jonathan was right there with her in Paris, and we love how he is the ultimate hype man for her! The two continue building their love story as they finalize their custom mansion in Texas.

Hunter Woodhall and Tara Davis-Woodhall

While these track stars captured our hearts during the summer of the 2024 Paris Olympics, they have held a piece of each other’s hearts since 2017. Staying true to the “sporty” aspect of this love story, Hunter and Tara met at a track meet during their senior year of high school. The connection was instant. Following their meeting, they began following each other on social media, and a few months later, Tara sent Hunter a direct message. They officially started dating in June of the same year. Initially, their relationship was long-distance, with Tara attending the University of Georgia and later the University of Texas while Hunter studied at the University of Arkansas.

After both athletes found success at the Tokyo Olympics in the summer of 2021, their celebrations continued with a fairytale engagement on the beach in Mexico during a getaway in September. Just over a year later, the couple tied the knot on October 16, 2022, at a stunning vineyard in Texas. One of the most charming details of their wedding? Their dogs served as the ring bearers!

Perhaps the most significant moments in their relationship occurred during the Paris Olympics this summer. On August 8, Tara earned her first Olympic medal, winning gold in the long jump. The couple's pure joy and love for each other were evident when she jumped into her husband’s arms to celebrate her victory. Almost a month later, on September 6, Hunter won his own gold medal in the 400m T62 at the Paralympic Games, and they reversed roles in their celebration. This love story is filled with adoration, joy, and pride, and we are excited to see what the future holds for these two talented athletes.

Mallory and Dansby Swanson

A love story between two athletes, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson and USWNT soccer forward Mallory Swanson, began to unfold while competing in their respective sports. The couple started dating in 2017, but their introduction was unique—they met on a blind date. This gives us hope that finding love in such a way is possible. At the time, Dansby was playing for the Atlanta Braves, and his teammate and his wife (also Mallory’s sister) arranged the match in December. The date went exceptionally well, but it wasn’t until December 2018—a full year later—that they officially announced their relationship on Instagram. Now, that is what we call a hard launch!

After three more years of long-distance relationships, during which both athletes competed professionally in different cities, December became a special month again. On December 10, 2022, Dansby popped the all-important question, and the couple was married in Georgia. Their wedding featured an enchanted forest theme, allowing them to celebrate with family and friends. Waffle House catered to the after-party. Later that month, Dansby announced his transfer to the Chicago Cubs, allowing him to finally live in the same city as his wife, who plays for the Chicago Red Stars.

Since getting married, the couple has enjoyed expressing their love for each other during game-day events. Even when they are not together in person—like when Mallory scored the game-winning goal for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team in their gold-medal match at the Paris Olympics—they share their excitement and admiration through phone calls, texts, and heartfelt posts on Instagram.

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen

While we love a public relationship that gives us plenty of chances to fangirl over every adorable sighting, there’s something extra thrilling about a romance that dances in the shadows, dripping with mystery and intrigue. Enter Hailee and Josh’s love story, which has kept us guessing!

The buzz began in May 2023 when the actress and the Bills quarterback were first spotted together, sending waves of excitement and rumors rippling through fan circles. Things heated up even more in July when photos of them enjoying some sun in Los Cabos hit the internet. While we didn't have an official announcement yet, the speculation was alive and kicking, especially when Hailee was spotted cheering in the stands during a Bills game in London on October 8.

The big reveal finally came a year later when Josh shared adorable pictures with Hailee in July 2024, much to the delight of pop culture lovers and sports fans everywhere. Talk about a glowing romance!

After a few more public appearances, the dynamic duo broke the internet with their picture-perfect sunset engagement on November 22, which they announced a week later. Although their relationship remains largely private, we occasionally see some couple content, which never disappoints. Just this week, the pair left us in awe when they attended the 2025 NFL Honors ceremony, looking stunningly beautiful. While their red carpet presence was impressive, it wasn’t the highlight of the night; Josh took home the MVP trophy. One thing is clear: the way she looks at him says it all when it comes to their love story.

Mondo Duplantis and Desiré Inglander

Speaking of breaking the internet, let’s talk about one of the summer's most adorable love stories from the Olympics: our pole vaulting champ, Mondo Duplantis, and his dazzling fiancée, Desiré Inglander! That epic kiss after Mondo snagged gold in the men’s pole vault had us all swooning and asking, “Where can I find a boyfriend like that?!”

This love saga kicked off in the summer of 2020 when Mondo and Desiré crossed paths at a Midsummer party in Sweden—talk about a magical setting! Now, we’re not exactly sure what goes down at a Midsummer bash, but it sounds like the perfect backdrop for two gorgeous people to connect. Initially, Desiré wasn’t feeling it, but Mondo wasn’t one to give up easily! He turned up the charm, sliding into her DMs on Snapchat. After months of persistent flirting, she finally said yes—especially when he hinted that he would be heading to the United States soon. And just like that, a beautiful love story took flight!

It wasn't until March 2021 that the couple went public with their relationship, starting with an Instagram post from Desiré, followed by Mondo’s post a month later. From then on, they became an adorable duo, with the model and influencer accompanying the pole vaulter as he traveled from one competition to another, always cheering for him from the stands. During this time, they celebrated many successes together, including Mondo’s first Olympic gold medal in pole vaulting at the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021, his partnership with Red Bull, the premiere of his documentary in September 2022, and Mondo being named Male Athlete of the Year by World Athletics in January 2024.

In August 2024, the world erupted in cheers as Mondo soared to new heights, setting a world record and snagging the gold medal in men’s pole vaulting at the Paris Olympics. The cherry on top? The adorable kiss he shared with Desiré to celebrate his big win, proving that their love is as strong as his athletic prowess. Talk about a match made in heaven!

But wait—it gets even better. On October 9, 2024, Mondo decided it was time to pop the question. With a dash of creativity, he teamed up with Vogue Scandinavia, making it seem like they were just having a fun beach photoshoot in East Hampton. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he turned the fashion shoot into the most epic engagement moment, capturing unforgettable pictures of their love story.

Now, we’re all on the edge of our seats, waiting for the wedding details. One thing’s for sure: we can’t wait to follow this picture-perfect couple as they reach new heights in love and fame.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift

You didn’t think we’d write a whole article on our favorite sporty love stories without featuring the ultimate power couple, did you? Travis went from swooning in the crowd at the Eras Tour to sharing the stage with Taylor Swift, who’s brilliantly introduced millions of Swifties to the NFL. So, how did this fairytale unfold?

Picture this: On July 8, 2023, Travis Kelce struts into the Eras Tour in Kansas City, heart-pounding and friendship bracelets at the ready. Fast forward to July 26, and he’s spilling the tea on his podcast, letting fans know he tried to chat up Taylor during her performance. He even whipped up a friendship bracelet just for her—talk about a bold move! We’ve got to give him props for putting himself out there, even if it didn’t go quite as planned at first!

But wait, there’s more. He later revealed on Pat McAfee’s show that he made some magic happen after the concert, inviting Taylor to watch him light up the football field in the very stadium where he first cheered for her. Who knew love could be so sporty and sparkly at the same time?

On September 24, 2023, both the Swifties and the NFL fans gasped at the sight of Taylor on their TV screen, wearing Chiefs gear and cheering in a suite with Donna Kelce, Travis’s mom. Was there actually something to this Taylor and Travis story drifting around social media? Three days later, Travis once again spoke on the subject on his podcast, giving her a shoutout for coming and noting how his friends and family seemed to enjoy having her there. Taylor continued to attend Chiefs games and was spotted amongst the fans at three other games in October.

Recent photos of the couple holding hands after their appearance on *SNL* on October 14 seemed to confirm their romance. For many Swifties, however, the defining moment was seeing Travis Kelce attend the Eras Tour in November with Taylor’s dad, followed by Taylor running into his arms after the show. This night also marked the birth of the iconic lyric change for "Karma": “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me.”

At the beginning of December, Taylor spoke about their relationship after being named Time’s 2023 Person of the Year. She had nothing but positive things to say, mentioning that Travis had talked about her on his podcast, which was how they initially connected. They were already a couple by the time she made her first appearance at a Chiefs game.

Since the start of 2024, Taylor and Travis have continued to be the exciting sports and pop culture crossover we've all been waiting for. Notable moments in their love story so far include the famous kiss on the field after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in February 2024, Taylor's first Instagram post featuring a selfie with Travis, Prince William, and his two kids backstage during her tour in London in June, and Travis's surprise appearance on stage at the Eras Tour the following night.

As the NFL prepared for the 2024-2025 season, fans eagerly anticipated the sightings of Taylor, which occurred multiple times as the pop superstar consistently supported Travis. In a heartfelt gesture, he showed his support for her in December by throwing a surprise Eras Tour-themed party to celebrate the conclusion of her tour. So far in 2025, the couple appears as in love as ever, navigating their lives in the spotlight. Although Travis didn't secure a Super Bowl win on Sunday, it's likely that with their love story, he still feels like a winner every day.