When it comes to ups and downs, BMX legend and New Zealand Olympian Sarah Walker, 29, has been through it all. Her struggles with injuries have been heart-breaking, with a particularly bad fall ruling her out of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with a horrendous broken arm.
But happily, the Kiwi athlete has found a wonderfully sparkly silver lining, in the form of the gorgeous new engagement ring shining brightly on her finger!
Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day, Sarah is thrilled to announce her engagement to the love of her life, Auckland sales executive Vin Elliott, 28 – and shares the story of her remarkable, fairy-tale proposal, which took place on top of a hill above the stunning Kaimanawa Forrest near Taupo.
“He got me good,” laughs Sarah, who started dating Vin on Valentine’s Day last year.
“I knew she’d be hard to surprise,” Vin adds with a big grin. “So I knew I had to put in a lot of effort.”
The incredible proposal – of which full details are in this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale now – comes as a welcome bright spot for Sarah, who has fought hard to get back to full fitness following her devastating injuries.
And, she’s thrilled to be looking forward to the next Olympic Games in Tokyo, where she’s determined to feature and hopefully improve on the silver medal she won in London in 2012.
“I still love the sport so much,” says Cambridge-based Sarah. “I did spend some time thinking about my future after the World Champs, but I know I have more to give and I want to keep pushing my limits.”
For more on Sarah’s amazing year and Hollywood-worthy engagement – plus our exclusive cliff-top pictures – see this week’s issue of Woman’s Day, out now!
