Photography: Amalia Osborne
When slalom canoeists Finn Butcher and Courtney Williams first started dating, the Olympic gold-medallist always joked that a proposal would come after eight years. So as the couple neared a decade together and there was still no ring on her finger, Courtney knew the moment could arrive at any time.
But as they set out with friends for a hike up the picturesque Roys Peak just after New Year, it was the one occasion she was certain it wasn’t going to happen.
“I knew he never wanted to do it in front of other people – he wanted it to be just us,” says Courtney.
Unfortunately for Finn, 31, keeping his carefully planned surprise under wraps meant convincing a weary Courtney, 28, to make it all the way to the top.
“We were both battling up there – the kayaker’s legs weren’t going too well on the hill,” laughs Finn.
“There’s a lookout three-quarters of the way up which is the famous photo spot, and she was like, ‘Surely, we don’t need to go further.’”
A proposal worth the climb
After what they describe as a brutal climb, they finally reached the summit. But with Finn determined to lead her away from the crowds gathered at the peak, his persistence suddenly made a lot more sense.
With the sweeping beauty of Lake Wānaka stretched out beneath them, Finn finally asked the question he’d been waiting years to ask. Dropping to one knee, he presented Courtney with a beautiful Toi et Moi ring that he had chosen himself.
“I hadn’t prepared much, but I got down on one knee and hopefully said a few nice words,” says Finn.
Beyond the breathtaking views, the stunning location held special significance. It represented Finn’s dream for their future together as the Alexandra local has long been trying to convince Courtney, who grew up in Tauranga, that Central Otago should be where they plant roots.
“When he proposed, Finn said, ‘One day, this will be our future home,” smiles Courtney.
“I’ve always loved it down there, but it is such a shift for me in terms of my friends and family. But I said to him I only need to know six people.”
Wedding plans are underway
When the Woman’s Weekly catches up with the pair at their Auckland home, they are on a brief stay in the country before they head overseas for their next competition. So busy are their calendars, Courtney admits she and close friend, Australian Olympic Kayak Cross gold medallist Noemie Fox, actually pencilled in their wedding dates before either of them was engaged.
“I said, ‘Put it in your diary so that period is locked off,’” she says.
“Noemie stuck to hers – she’s getting married in October. And I put March next year and we’re looking at the week after the date I chose.”
While they are excited for the big day, they both agree that the most special part has been imagining the life they will build together.
“If sport is your life, you’re thinking about the future, but it’s on a sporting timeline,” Finn explains.
“Moments like that make us think about what life looks like outside of it. It’s been nice in the past couple of years to think about our future.”
A future full of love
They both agree it will include children. Courtney says one of the qualities she loves most about Finn is the way family has always been at the centre of who he is.
“Some of my friends have kids, and it’s really exciting seeing how much they love him and he loves them,” she enthuses.
And for Finn, it’s Courtney’s generosity and deep care for others that makes him certain he’s found the right person.
“Courtney cares so much about other people. The community loves her – she’s everyone’s best friend. I think that’s cool, but sometimes it’s a detriment to her. She cares more about other people and making sure they’re happy than she does about herself. I make sure she’s held up by someone else.”
For now, their focus is firmly set on wedding planning and the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Finn hopes to defend his Kayak Cross gold medal, while Courtney is on the hunt for redemption after the heartbreak of missing out on a spot in Paris.
And if all goes to plan, it will be made even more meaningful by a new name on her race bib.
Courtney tells, “I’ve always said I would change my last name. It would be cool to compete in LA as Courtney Butcher.”
