When they're not balling on the court or breaking records in Tokyo, our favorite athletes are busy spreading love elsewhere. From Simone Biles to Stephen Curry, here are some of sports' most iconic loved-up couples...
Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird
"Not only are we female athletes, but we're dating... It's kind of bad***," Rapinoe joked of her other half. Back in 2016, the soccer star first crossed paths with basketball legend Sue Bird in Rio. But that was only the beginning...
Fast forward to today, and the power couple is officially ahead of the game. From walking home with medals at this year's Olympics to being socially active in the LGBTQ community, they've already paved the way for so many. But there's more where that came from. Keep scrolling.
Hunter Woodhall & Tara Davis
As for our next athletes, it was practically hug at first sight. No, really. "After he finished his race, I went up to him and hugged him. I don't have a reason why I did that, but I did," track star Tara Davis recalled of the moment she first met Woodhall at a high-school track meet years ago.
One hug, several years, and endless wins later, the track-and-field stars came full circle after competing by each other's side in the 2020 Tokyo games. And while Davis fell short of earning a medal, she and her Paralympic star boyfriend are certainly winners in our eyes.
Laura & Jason Kenny
While he may not have been "very good at first impressions," as Laura joked, a whole lot has changed since she and Jason first crossed paths at British Cycling years back. Despite their bumpy start, the Olympic cyclists went on to tie the knot in 2016 and have been going steady ever since.
Not only have they become Team GB's most decorated athletes after dominating this year's Olympic games, but they've continued to do so by each other's side. "He goes through everything I go through. There's not a single feeling or emotion I've had that he hasn't had," Laura proudly explained.
Celia Quansah & Megan Jones
They might not have been the first couple to compete together at the Tokyo Olympics, but they certainly got people talking when they did: "Everyone was like this is amazing, you're helping so many people by doing this," Quansah recalled of stepping out with her Team GB rugby partner.
And while they may not have placed first in this year's games, this star couple's time on and off the field is certainly one for the books. "If we can help one person feel like they can be themselves, it just makes you want to do it more," Quansah gushed. Agreed.
Tyrone Smith & Sandi Morris
"Our story is very embedded in the Olympics… Rio," Morris recalled of how she came to meet her three-time Olympic long jumper husband. Despite hailing from different parts of the world, this power couple first fell in love on the track - and have continued to defy odds ever since.
After getting engaged in 2018, the American track-and-field star and Bermuda athlete had big plans to compete as a married couple in this year's games. Unfortunately, Smith wasn't able to snag a spot in Tokyo like his Mrs. had. "I'm going to become the world's biggest cheerleader for my wife and be at any meet," he assured.
Naomi Osaka & Cordae
A record-breaking tennis star and a rising rapper are, no doubt, worthy of a spot on our list. But there's actually a good chance you haven't heard of Osaka's relationship - and we can't blame ya. "We don't really post intimate moments… they're sacred," the four-time Grand Slam singles champ explained of keeping things low-key.
That being said, allow us to help you out here: Osaka and the Grammy-nominated rapper first began dating in 2019, give or take. And from him supporting her courtside to his own successes as an artist, it's no surprise these two landed a spot on GQ's "Modern Lovers" issue back in February.
Jonathan Owens & Simone Biles
We all know the name 'Simon Biles' by now. After all, with that many Olympic wins under her belt, well, how could we not? But her other half has, too, racked up quite a long list of accomplishments over recent years. Of course, we're talking about the Olympian's NFL boyfriend, Jonathan Owens.
After swiping right online, these two went on to make things official back in March of 2020. And given their shared athletic skills and accomplishments over recent years? "This was a match made in heaven," as Owens himself perfectly put it. "There's no better person for me."
Meghan Haila & Caeleb Dressel
"The Next Michael Phelps" (as the online world dubbed him) dominated our screens during this year's games. But Olympic swimmer Caeleb Dressel's success was actually a long time coming. From landing gold in Rio - twice - to now, his record-breaking wins in Tokyo, he's definitely one to watch out for.
Though, perhaps it's his time outside of those Speedos worthy of your attention: the pro-swimmer recently married his high-school sweetheart, Meghan Haila, after being together for years. "To me, he is just Caeleb - the same guy I grew up swimming with... the same goofball," Haila gushed.
Edward Gal & Hans Peter Minderhoud
Talk about a one-track mind: Dutch equestrians Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud have been dominating the Olympics for years now - as a married couple. "Competitions are a way of life, and it is so much fun if you're with someone who precisely understands that," Minderhoud explained.
Not only did they nab fourth place together in Rio's games, but the Olympic medalists also competed in Tokyo this past summer. From their prior wins (Minderhoud in 2008 and Gal in 2012) to their pride for one another, we're expecting big things from these two.
Charlotte Caslick & Lewis Holland
It's no surprise our next couple was once dubbed the King and Queen of Rugby. Charlotte Caslick and Lewis Holland have been soaring through life by each other's side for years now - one medal at a time. From Caslick's gold win during 2016's games to Holland's own success in Rio, these two are unstoppable.
"Lucky to be living this dream together," Caslick gushed. And while they may not have landed first place during this year's Tokyo games, they're not slowing down anytime soon. "Not the results we prepared for, but that's how it goes along the journey," Holland assured.
Anissa Urtez & Amanda Chidester
They might be headed down the aisle real soon, but once those uniforms come on? "It's game on," as Urtez put it. The Mexican softball star and her fiance Amanda Chidester - a Team USA Olympian softballer - are just as passionate on the field as they are off of it.
"We don't know each other when we're on the field," they joked of going head to head in Tokyo. Not only did the engaged couple make history as one of the first to ever do so, but Team USA managed to walk home with silver. "We are beyond proud of each other for living out our dreams… to experience this together."
Gerek Meinhardt & Lee Kiefer
Gerek Meinhardt and Lee Kiefer have literally done it all. When they're not busy studying medicine at the University of Kentucky, they're busy making history halfway across the world: this past year, the Olympic fencers won bronze and gold, respectively, as they competed alongside each other in Tokyo.
"We've had such a fulfilling, beautiful journey that none of us knew was possible," Lee proudly explained of her and her husband's time in Japan. From making history as the first-ever fencing gold medalist for individual foil to her plans to finish her studies, Miss Kiefer's certainly got her head in the game.
Leah Wilkinson & Sarah Wilson
Leah Wilkinson’s been repping Wales in field hockey for years now. But while she might have the bruises and scars to show for it, she’s also got one proud fiance out of it. “No different Welsh sportsperson participant has ever reached this milestone… Leah, you actually haven’t any equal,” Sarah Wilson gushed.
But while Wilkinson might know a thing or two about breaking records, so does her other half. Not only is Sarah Wilson, too, part of Team GB's field hockey team, but the two of them proudly walked home with bronze at this year's games. "This means everything," Wilson gushed.
Jonelle & Tim Price
The Prices might have cashed in a hefty paycheck during their success as pro-athletes but their time together is actually priceless (had to). Ever since crossing paths in 1997, the New Zealand equestrians have been turning heads - both inside and outside the stables. And it's actually earned them a spot in the history books.
In 2014, the married couple made history as the first husband and wife duo to ever compete in the World Equestrian Games. But that's not all. Not only did the pro-athletes compete together in Rio, but they also did so in Tokyo. "To work beside each other… it's a great thing, and we're very lucky," Tim proudly revealed.
Stephanie Labbe & Georgia Simmerling
Shortly after competing in Tokyo, Olympic cyclist Georgia Simmerling hoped on a jet and made the 8,000+ trek to Canada with only one thing on her mind: to watch her girlfriend bring home the gold for their country's national soccer team. Sure enough, that's exactly what happened.
"That was a very special moment to witness," Simmerling recalled of cheering on Stephanie Labbé after her Olympic win this past year. "We both kind of had no words." With 3 Olympic medals and 6 Games between them, these two are officially a force to be reckoned with.
Deepika Kumari & Atanu Das
Our next power couple brings a whole new meaning to being struck by cupid's arrow. Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari - who represented India's men's and women's archery teams in Tokyo, respectively,- tied the knot shortly before heading to Japan for this year's games. But love wasn't always in the air for these two.
"He didn't know Hindi then, so he wouldn't talk to me," Deepika recalled of her and Atanu's time as classmates back in 2008. Sure enough, shortly after competing together in 2016's games, the two began to bond over their shared interests, and well, the rest is now history.
Kenneth Ferguson & Allyson Felix
Whether you've caught this year's games or not, there's a good chance the name "Allyson Felix" already rings a bell. But if by some chance it hasn't? Expect to hear lots more of it in the near future. The Olympian track star became a household name this year after nabbing gold in Tokyo. And with good reason.
Her 4 x 400 meter not only marked her 11th Olympic win, but also earned her a swanky new title: the most decorated track-and-field athlete in U.S. history. "So proud... To everyone else, she's the goat. But to us? She's just Shug/Mommy," her husband, Kenneth Ferguson - a former track-and-field star himself - gushed.
Andre Agassi & Steffi Graf
Sure, he may be an eight-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic medalist. But if you ask Andre Agassi? The tennis star's biggest win was actually outside of the courts: getting his long-time crush, German tennis star Steffi Graf, to say "I Do."
"She was the hardest to win... when Steffi Graf says yes, it’s as close to arriving," Agassi recalled to Forbes India of the "highest point" in his life. Sure enough, 20 years later, and the retired athletes are still as smitten as ever. "I leave the open arena happy, almost like having watched a match of old."
Kendall Jenner & Devin Booker
She may have been raised by an Olympic medalist, but Jenner's eyes are zoned in on a different star-athlete these days: boyfriend, Devin Booker. The NBA baller has been dominating the courts since his 2015 draft. And it landed him a spot in Tokyo this past summer.
Sure enough, Booker, along with Team USA, walked home a champ after defeating France in a heated championship game. From his gold medal to his girlfriend's loyal support, we've got a feeling this won't be the last time we're hearing their names in the headlines. We'd learn 'em if we were you.
Rob Gronkowski & Camille Kostek
Speaking of wins, Gronkowski might have walked home a winner at last year's Super Bowl, but his most treasured prize is actually at home. The NFL star and his Sports Illustrated model girlfriend have been going steady for about 7 years now. And from the sounds of it? They're just getting started.
"You continue to amaze me, let's keep leveling UP, baby," Kostek gushed of Gronk after the formerly retired football star earned an ESPY for 'best team' in 2021 with the Buccaneers. Safe to say, these two are scoring touchdowns on and off the field...
Serena Williams & Alexis Ohanian
Granted, he probably knows his way around a keyboard more than he does the courts. Nonetheless, Serena Williams' husband might just be the key to her success. "He puts me in the light, even if I don't want to be. He pushes me to further points I never thought about," the tennis star gushed of her man.
For those who don't already know: Williams first met the Reddit founder by chance, after staying at the same Italian hotel back in 2015. Sure enough, the two went on to tie the knot and have been lifting one another up ever since. "I feel like I can shine really bright and still do everything that I want," the athlete confessed.
Gisele Bündchen & Tom Brady
Long before 'Gronk and Camille' or 'Kendall and Devin,' there was Tom and Gisele. "We found each other at the right time," the NFL star confessed of linking up with his Brazilian bombshell wife. Sure enough, after being set up on a blind date back in '06, nothing's ever been the same.
"It's great to have that rock that you can always lean on that can support you in different ways that you need to," Brady proudly reflected. From his endless Super Bowl wins (we've actually lost count at this point) to her time on the runway, these two will continue to turn heads no matter where life takes them.
Roger & Mirka Federer
Relationships are all about compromise, we know that much. But when it comes to these legends? It actually caused one of them to say bye to the thing they loved most: tennis. "I'd rather have helped you have an amazing career [than] me having [one]," Mirka explained of saying bye to the courts for the sake of their marriage.
After retiring in 2002, the former tennis star has stuck by the King of Wimbledon's side through it all. "When I met her, I had zero titles. Today? I have 88, so she's been on this ride for the whole time," Roger gushed of his wife back in '16. And with no plans of stopping anytime soon? We've got a feeling that number is bound to grow…
Julie & Zach Ertz
Remember when a clip of Julie finding out her husband was headed for the Super Bowl went viral back in 2018? While that might have been the first time you heard their names together, it actually wasn't the first time this couple hijacked our feeds - and it certainly won't be the last.
The two are actually college sweethearts, after meeting at a baseball game at Stanford years ago. "I saw Julie and thought, 'I have to go sit next to her,'" the football star recalled of the pro-soccer player. From his 2013 NFL draft to her 2015 World Cup win, the two have literally done it all together.
Dwyane Wade & Gabrielle Union
He might have been a star on the courts, but when Gabrielle Union first met this NBA all-star? She had no plans on ever becoming his Mrs. "When I met Dwyane, his "résumé" looked like cr*p: athlete, going through a divorce, nine years younger," the actress joked. Safe to say, fate had other plans.
After tying the knot in 2014, the stars quickly became one of sports' most legendary power couples. And with good reason. From Wade's memorable time with the Miami Heat to Union's award-winning roles, the pro-baller and Hollywood actress are living proof that sometimes opposites do attract, after all...
Ciara & Russell Wilson
While most of us remember watching Ciara and Future walk hand-in-hand on that red carpet, Russell Wilson was always 10 steps ahead of us. "I told somebody that's the girl I want to be with," the NFL star recalled of having his sights sets on the then-engaged artist long before they even met.
Call it fate or just sheer luck, but Russ's words rang true in 2016 after he and his crush finally tied the knot after months of dating. "It's a blessing," he reflected. From marrying the girl of his dreams to becoming the highest-paid NFL star in 2019, Russ and his Mrs. clearly know a thing or two about leveling up.
Tom Daley & Dustin Lance Black
He might have once been dubbed the "baby of Beijing," but Tom Daley has come a long way since the world learned his name back in 2008. After nabbing his first gold-medal win at this year's games, the Olympic swimmer's become an inspiration for viewers around the globe.
"When I was younger, I thought that I was never going to be anything or achieve anything because of who I was," he confessed. Sure enough, from marrying his soulmate to taking home gold, the Olympic swimmer is living proof never to give up on your dreams.
Ayesha & Stephen Curry
They might be one of the most famous sports couples to date, but don't expect a sappy love story if you ask these two how they came to be. In fact, Ayesha never dreamed of linking up with the pro-baller - let alone any. "No athletes… they’re arrogant.'" the model recalled of her former aversion to dating athletes growing up.
As we all know, though, that didn't last long. After crossing paths with Steph at the same church youth group as teens, Ayesha eventually decided to give him a chance. And the rest is history. "He was so funny and silly," she confessed of her husband of 10+ years, "opposite of what I thought he was going to be."
David & Victoria Beckham
Unlike the Currys, when it comes to our next couple, love at first sight was all too real. Then again, don't take our word for it: "exact details are hazy," the former Spice Girl joked of having too much to drink the night she and the Manchester United star first crossed paths.
Whatever the case may have been, it wasn't long before the smitten stars made things official. Just one year after meeting at a charity football match in 1997, the popstar and pro-athlete tied the knot, starting a family months later. "We both realize that we are stronger together than we are as individuals," Victoria explained.
LeBron & Savannah Brinson James
Did you really think King James wasn't going to make it onto our list? LeBron and his wife Savannah are basketball royalty, with an entire empire under their belt and millions to show for themselves. But they've actually come a long way before balling their way to the top.
"It felt like a finals game," James recalled of the most heated moment of his career: getting down on one knee for his high-school sweetheart in 2011. Sure enough, after tying the knot, LeBron and Savannah have been by each other's side ever since. "This is the lady... through all the good and all the bad," the all-star reflected.