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Olympic love stories: The relationships behind the Rio champions


August 15, 2016
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Team GB broke records at the weekend by winning five gold medals in a single day, moving them into second place – just ahead of China and behind the United States. And, while the success is undoubtedly down to the athlete's hard work and determination, it's hard not to notice the love that's in the Rio air…

As well as their team mates, family and friends, some of the competitors are being supported by their partners – making for some seriously cute victory scenes. Here's everything you need to know about some of the Olympic love stories.

Laura Trott and Jason Kenny

olympics1© Photo: Getty Images

Laura Trott and Jason Kenny are taking home five gold medals between them

They're the golden couple of British cycling and are set to leave Rio with five gold medals between them. Away from the track, 24-year-old Laura and Jason, 28, live together in Manchester with their two dogs and are currently planning their wedding, set to take place next year.

Speaking to HELLO! Magazine ahead of the Rio games, Laura opened up about her relationship with Jason and why they work. She explained: "He knows the ups and downs, what it's like when a race goes badly, and he understands that I can't get drunk on a Saturday night. And he is always there if I need him."

Max Whitlock and Leah Hickton

olympics4© Photo: Rex

Max Whitlock and Leah Hickton are planning their wedding

While Leah wasn't in Rio to watch gymnast Max win his two gold medals, she later told Daily Mail she was "jumping for joy" over his victory. Their love story is one that stretches back 11 years, after they met at a gym in Basildon, Essex.

They've been a couple for nine years and Max popped the question earlier this year during a romantic break in the Lake District. According to reports they're already planning their big day and, discussing getting down on one knee, Max said: "It was a weird feeling, it was probably more nerve-wracking than being in an Olympic games."

Becky James and George North

olympics7© Photo: Getty Images

"Proud" George North heaped praise on Becky James after a tough couple of years

It was an emotional moment in Rio as Becky James ran to boyfriend George North for a celebratory kiss, following the cyclist's silver medal win. Welsh rugby star George later praised his girlfriend on Twitter, writing: "Words can't describe how proud I am! Everything she's been through. What an absolute hero."

The long-term couple met through mutual friends and have a dog called Lola, and have been through some testing times during their relationship. Becky suffered a terrifying cancer scare in 2014, as well as a crippling knee-injury, which almost shattered her career dreams. After two procedures to remove the cancerous cells, she revealed: "The doctor said to me if I had waited another year it could have been completely different."

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