“My Peruvian boyfriend was the perfect a– & gentleman ,” read the playful caption beneath a photo posted nearly nine years ago on Instagram. In the snapshot, a former world champion gymnast—known for her strength, grace, and fierce routines—stood in front of a misty waterfall in the heart of Peru, beaming beside a mule. But the post wasn’t just a joke—it marked a quiet turning point. After stepping away from gymnastics in 2015, she headed to South America in search of something more: joy! Maybe even a sense of who she was beyond the sport. Nearly a decade later, she found herself back in the spotlight. And now, it’s time to celebrate this hassle…
Last year, Samantha ‘Sam’ Peszek took on a prominent role as a gymnastics analyst across several major competitions. The Indiana native brought her insight to the global stage at the Olympics and had already lent her voice to key events leading up to it, including the Core Hydration Classic, Xfinity National Championships, and the Olympic Trials. With her calm, hype-free commentary, Sam earned praise from gymnastics fans for making the sport accessible and authentic. Now, after successfully guiding audiences through the sport’s biggest moments, it seems her journey is about to enter an exciting new chapter.
On July 4, former world champion gymnast Sam Peszek lit up Instagram with a series of joyful snaps—and an announcement that sent waves of excitement through the gymnastics world. “YES !!!!!!!!!! FOREVER YES !!!!!” she captioned the photos, which featured her beaming beside her boyfriend on a private runway, proudly showing off a sparkling diamond ring. Well, the moment was pure romance. In one photo, Sam hugged her new fiancé tightly; in another, the couple stood smiling in front of a private jet. But this wasn’t just any luxurious backdrop—the plane played a starring role in the proposal. Hanging from it was a giant banner with four unforgettable words: “Will You Marry Me?” The answer? A very clear, glowing yes.
Meanwhile, the grand gesture didn’t go unnoticed. Among the flood of congratulations, UCLA Bruins women’s gymnastics coach Janelle McDonald chimed in with excitement: “Yayyyy!!! So excited for you both! Congratulations .” Sam, who shares a deep bond with the Bruins as a former NCAA star, replied with her signature warmth: “Thann youuuuuu.” With the Bruins, Sam’s bond goes deep, as after retiring from her elite career, she competed for the Bruins in her collegiate career. However, in her Instagram story, the Olympian gave fans a little more of the behind-the-scenes magic.
“Will share more details later probs,” Sam wrote with a wink. “But it happened two days ago and I hadn’t washed my hair in a week (on brand)… and I was soooooo incredibly surprised!!!!” Speaking about her fiancé, the former gymnast penned, “He did so good. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Truly on cloud 9!!!!” For fans and fellow gymnasts alike, the whole moment felt like something out of a fairytale—authentic, heart-melting, and perfectly Sam.
The gymnastics community shows up in the celebration
The comments section quickly turned into a love fest, overflowing with joy from teammates, fans, and friends who had followed Samantha’s journey for years. “AHHH!!!!! Sam I’m soooo happy for you! Love you!!! ” wrote Delaney Ahern, the Arizona State alum turned social media star, capturing the excitement that so many felt.
Olympic medalist and gymnastics trailblazer Betty Okino chimed in too, adding her own touch of celebration: “Hooray!!! I knew it! So happy for you Sam!” Her words echoed the sentiments of an entire generation who had watched Sam evolve from a determined athlete to a poised voice of the sport. And then came Josie Leinart, a former television actress with a gymnast’s soul.
Credit: Instagram/ Samantha Peszek
“Over the MOON for you!!!!!!” Josie gushed—fittingly so, since she once tumbled across the floor as a young gymnast, with the floor exercise being her first love. Even fellow UCLA great and gymnastics fan-favorite Peng Peng Lee joined the chorus: “CONGRATULATIONS!!! Happy happy for the both of you .” Sam, always warm and gracious, replied with pure joy: “Thanks Peng!!!!!!” In that sea of cheers, it was clear—this wasn’t just an engagement. It was a celebration of a life well-lived, a journey deeply admired, and a future bursting with love.
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