When it comes to extraordinary couples, Great Britain’s Hannah Cockroft and Nathan Maguire are a standout.
Currently, they’re putting their wedding plans on ice as they compete in the city of romance, Paris.
A Gold Rush in Paris
The dynamic duo landed in the French capital with their sights set on gold before their big day.
Cockroft, 32, has already achieved her goal, clinching victory in the women’s 100m T34.
Next up, Maguire, 27, hopes to follow in his fiancée’s footsteps when he races in the men’s 1500m T54 final.
A Journey of Love and Triumph
This isn’t their first time at the Paralympics rodeo.
Cockroft is making her fourth appearance, having already claimed gold in every Games she’s participated in.
Maguire, meanwhile, has competed in three Paralympics.
Their story began 12 years ago when a starstruck Maguire first met the London 2012 double champion, Cockroft, at a Youth Sport Trust event.
“We met when she was the celebrity guest and I was just a young athlete,” Maguire shared with The Telegraph.
“I have a picture of me getting her autograph.
We started as friends before things turned into something more serious.
We have a lot in common and share a passion for sport, which has definitely made us both better athletes.”
Overcoming Adversity
Cockroft’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Born with significant health challenges, including two heart attacks within 24 hours, she has turned her early difficulties into a triumphant career.
With eight gold medals across four Games, she has never lost her top spot in 12 years of competing.
This year, Cockroft is not just defending her 100m T34 gold medal—she’s also aiming to win the women’s 800m T34 gold for the third time.
Despite her success, she admits that watching Maguire compete is far more nerve-wracking than racing herself.
“My hopes for Paris are simple—I’d like two gold medals,” Cockroft told The Telegraph.
“But watching Nathan race is terrifying.
I know how hard he’s worked, and I’d rather race every day than watch him.”
A Wedding and a Future
After the Tokyo Games in 2021, Maguire proposed to Cockroft in Copenhagen, and she said yes after a moment of nervous anticipation.
The couple is set to marry in Halifax, Yorkshire, just three weeks after the Paralympics.
Cockroft, who has achieved everything in her sport, is looking forward to starting a family with Maguire.
However, she’s clear about her priorities.
“I definitely want children, but we need to get the timing right,” she said.
“I’m at the top of my game and don’t want to miss out. I keep telling Nathan he has to win Paralympic gold first, then I’ll take some time off.”
Maguire has come close to winning gold before, securing silver in the universal relay at the Tokyo Games.
This time, his hopes rest on the 1500m T54 final, as he aims for the top spot on the Paris podium.
What’s Next?
As the couple continues to chase their dreams and prepare for their future together, all eyes will be on their performances in Paris and the exciting times that lie ahead.