Cape Verde guide proposes to runner on stadium tracks

Running guide Manuel de Veiga went down on one knee and asked for the hand of visually-impaired sprinter Keula Semedo on the tracks at the Tokyo Paralympics on Thursday.

The pair from Cape Verde had just finished fourth and thus last in their preliminary heat, meaning the duo missed qualification for the final.

But they won a lot of hearts.

“We have been together for 11 years. So, I thought it was time,” said Vaz de Veiga. “And I thought the stadium was the best place. It’s her second home.”

Before popping the question, he had gathered together all the other female athletes and their guides from the race.

“I don’t have words for how I feel. But I’m sure our parents will go crazy with joy,” said the bride-to-be.

“I was actually thinking about quitting sports. But now I have an extra motivation to continue. Always with him by my side.”