At a Glance
- Brittany Bowe won her first individual Olympic bronze in 2022 and now plans to compete again in 2026.
- The pair met during the 2022 Winter Games, turning a pandemic-bottled romance into a partnership that fuels their Olympic ambitions.
- They share a home in Salt Lake City and are preparing to bring home medals for Team USA.
- Why it matters: Their story blends personal triumph with national pride, offering fans a glimpse of what drives elite athletes beyond the podium.
Brittany Bowe and Hilary Knight first crossed paths at the 2022 Winter Olympics, a moment that would become the most memorable part of Bowe’s Olympic journey.
The Meeting That Sparked a Romance
Bowe, 37, recalls how her love for the ice led her to meet the U.S. women’s hockey captain, Hilary Knight, during the February 2022 Games. The pair had known each other through Team USA events for years, but the Olympic Village provided a unique bubble where they could truly connect. Their first date was a simple walk around the village, masked and cautious amid COVID-19 fears. “We didn’t have the family, the friends, no outside distractions,” Bowe said, describing how the pandemic-era setting allowed them to focus on one another.
Key Moments of Their Early Dates
- First walk: masked stroll after dinner.
- First dinner: a quiet meal that deepened their connection.
- First conversation: shared stories about their respective sports and Olympic experiences.
Bowe’s excitement grew as she realized that the romance was a “biggest win” coming out of Beijing for her, a sentiment she shared with her partner during an interview with News Of Los Angeles.
From Olympic Dreams to Shared Home
Bowe’s path to the 2022 podium was anything but linear. She began skating inline in Florida, then transitioned to ice after watching friends compete in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. By 2014 she was a Team USA member, and in 2018 she earned a bronze in the team pursuit. Her individual bronze in the 1000-meter race at the 2022 Games capped a decade of hard work.
Meanwhile, Knight had already established herself as a hockey star, captaining the U.S. women’s team and leading them to gold in 2018. The two athletes now share a Salt Lake City home, preparing for what could be their final Winter Games.
Olympic Highlights in a Table
| Year | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Vancouver | Observation of inline peers |
| 2014 | Sochi | Team USA member |
| 2018 | Pyeongchang | Bronze – Team Pursuit |
| 2022 | Beijing | Bronze – 1000-m (individual) |
Preparing for 2026: Medals and Family
Both athletes are focused on bringing home medals for Team USA. Bowe is eager for the return of fans to the stands, a contrast to the empty arenas of 2022. She says, “My family’s already got their hockey tickets, and her family’s getting the speed skating tickets. Having more people in the stands that love you, support you, are part of your journey – that will make it really special.”
Knight added that the couple is “watching hours of videos” to prepare, even joking about their fancy Italian coffee machine that will be left behind for the trip.
What’s in Store for the 2026 Games
- Medal goals: Bowe aims for gold in the 1000-m; Knight seeks to lead her team to another championship.
- Family support: Both families are securing tickets, creating a personal fan base.
- Personal milestones: Bowe sees the 2026 Games as the culmination of her Olympic career.
The Bigger Picture
Bowe’s story is a testament to perseverance and partnership. She described winning as “an addiction” that gives her “no better feeling in the world.” The couple’s shared ambition underscores how personal relationships can fuel professional excellence.
Key Takeaways
- The pandemic created a unique environment that allowed Bowe and Knight to connect.
- Bowe’s Olympic journey spans over a decade, culminating in a bronze in 2022 and a hopeful return in 2026.
- Their shared home and mutual support illustrate the intertwining of personal and professional lives in elite sport.
- Fans can look forward to seeing both athletes compete for medals and for the presence of family in the stands.
For more coverage of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visit News Of Los Angeles for ongoing updates before, during, and after the Games.
