Pierre and Marie Curie, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, Cleopatra and Mark Antony - some love stories are meant to transcend time. They are everlasting and intense, and greater than the sum of their parts. Alone, these individuals were powerful personalities in their own right; but together, they achieved immortality.
You wouldn't normally associate such expansive, over-arching love with the sporting field. But we've learned over the years that most great athletes have a significant other to thank for their success. Their sporting achievements on the field were strongly complemented by a stable relationship off it - a relationship that provides the firm support for the individual to flourish.
With happiness being one of the biggest requisites for sporting success, a pure bond of true love with one’s partner is most essential. And while the star athletes may not always showcase their love lives to the public, they would be the first to admit that they'd be nothing without the love & support of their better halves.
At the same time, some of the world's most famous sportspersons have frequently professed their love in the public eye, with some of their proposals attaining legendary status. It comes as no surprise that most of them choose platinum to profess their love.
The precious metal makes an ultimate statement because of its purity & rarity while being understated & classy in its appearance. World over, platinum symbolizes love - the kind that is pure & makes for everlasting relationships, long careers and memorable stories.
Here are five sporting couples whose love has gone platinum and left the sporting world in awe.
#1 Roger and Mirka Federer
Like the perfectionist that he is on the tennis court, 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer’s family life is also perfect and full of love. The first couple of the tennis world – Roger and wife Mirka- undoubtedly are the epitome of eternal love.
Since meeting Roger at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Mirka, a retired WTA player herself, has been a constant figure at all of the legend’s matches. From cheering profusely to urging him to keep fighting to patiently bearing the emotional rollercoaster of a match, the devoted partner has done it all for her husband.
Mirka’s unfailing love stems from her own profound knowledge and deep understanding of the game, having been a player herself - she has even doubled up as Federer's manager.
Even after marrying Federer in 2009 and subsequently giving birth to their two sets of twins, absolutely nothing has changed for Mirka. Even now, when the super-wife turns up at his games – with their kids in tow – she is still his rock solid system of support, like she's always been.
#2 Michael and Nicole Phelps
The greatest power of love is that it can pull you out from the deepest dungeons and let you find your sunshine again. Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian ever, understood that after a tough year in 2014.
Drunken driving and its consequent suspension from the US swimming had cast a dark shadow on the swimmer’s life in 2014, so much so that he did not even wish to live another day. Checking into a rehab facility made him realize he needed the unconditional love of his family and near and dear ones to battle this crisis.
This was where his long-time girlfriend Nicole Johnson played a crucial role in helping him get back to his feet. The former Miss California, who had been in an on-and-off relationship with the swimming giant since 2007, was able to provide him the tender love and care that he so needed at that time.
The two got engaged in 2015 and their son, Boomer, was born the next year. Johnson's all-encompassing love and support liberated Phelps from the shackles that were holding him back, and the result was there for everyone to see in Rio.
Content and in absolute love with life, he was brilliant at the Olympics, thanks to the love and stability his wife gave him.
#3 David and Victoria Beckham
David and Victoria Beckham – one of the most instantly recognized couples in the world – have had to tide over quite a few difficult times in their 17-year-long marriage, but their true love helped them survive everything that came their way.
Having your entire relationship subjected to constant public scrutiny is definitely not an easy task.With Victoria being a part of the popular girl band ‘Spice Girls’ and David having already established his football credentials with Manchester United, the couple were the subject of intense media attention right from the beginning.
That, however, could never diminish their love for each other. The twoBritish superstars used their mutual faith and trust to move forward in their journey together.
Despite moving countries multiple times during his long career, Beckham placed the highest importance on maintaining a loving relationship with his wife, and ensured that his family didn't suffer as a result of his travelling.
One thing that has remained constant through it all is their boundless love for each other, and Victoria Beckham doesn't shy away from expressing it on the big stage, wearing a Platinum ring that symbolizes eternal love. That love has been the biggest reason for making them the power couple that they currently are.
#4 Sachin and Anjali Tendulkar
One of the most enduring love stories from Indian sports is that of cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar and his wife Anjali.Sachin’s immaculate personal life and his image of a dedicated family man are strong reasons why he is so vastly admired and respected all over the world.
It was love at first sight for medical student Anjali when she spotted the unassuming Sachin, all of 17, at the Mumbai airport in 1990. Shy at first, Sachin went on to profess his love for Anjali, and the two tied the knot after five years of courtship.
Now doting parents to two teenage kids, Sachin and Anjali's true love and commitment for each other is what stands out. Anjali even sacrificed her successful career of a paediatrician to stay by her husband’s side at all times, and has never ever regretted that.
#5 Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo
Life can pull you apart, but true love always overcomes distance in the end. Argentine football wizard Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo’slove story is one such example that has stood the test of time.
The two were always destined to be together after a nine-year-old Leo was left besotted by her in 1996; he instantly knew that she was the one for him. It was during Leo’s stint at the Newell’s Old Boys youth system in Rosario that he first came across his future partner, who was his teammate Lucas Scaglia’s cousin.
Love soon blossomed between the two, as they kept frequently meeting each other. With Messi’s move to Barcelona, life took a different direction for the young couple. But like every great love story, they could not be kept separated for long.
It was the unfortunate death of a friend that brought them together again, and Antonella soon moved in with the superstar in what was the start of a beautiful journey that gave them two sons.
Today, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Roccuzzo share identical crown tattoos to show their unconditional love for each other.
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