US Swimmer Ryan Murphy Receives Gender Reveal from Wife as He Collects Olympic Medal
In an Olympic moment that transcended the usual celebration of athletic prowess, American swimmer Ryan Murphy received a double surprise at the La Défense Arena in Paris. After claiming the bronze medal in the men’s 100 meters backstroke, Murphy was greeted with an unexpected gender reveal from his wife, Bridget Konttinen, announcing they are expecting a baby girl.
Murphy had barely stepped off the podium when he noticed Konttinen in the stands, holding up a sign that read, “Ryan, it’s a girl!” The emotional reveal came as a complete surprise to Murphy, who had been focused on his performance in the pool. “I was walking back around and Bridget was holding up a sign and it said – ‘Ryan, it’s a girl,’” Murphy recounted. “That was the first time I heard the gender.”
The swimmer, who had previously won a trio of gold medals at the Rio Games in 2016, expressed his joy and surprise, noting that both he and his wife had expected a boy. “We both – we honestly both thought it was going to be a boy,” he said. “And everyone – like everyone – we were talking to, they thought it was going to be a boy.”
Murphy’s bronze medal in Paris marked his third Olympic medal in the 100 meters backstroke and the seventh of his career. His achievements in Tokyo added a gold, a silver, and a bronze to his impressive tally. The unexpected gender reveal added a poignant layer to his victory, making the moment even more special. “I think that just kind of lit me up,” Murphy said. “And really brought this night to a whole other level.”
The swimmer, known for his support of the Florida-based American football team Jacksonville Jaguars, also noted the coincidence that the team’s quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, and his wife are also expecting a daughter. “I hope our daughters can be friends,” Murphy mused.
As Murphy prepares to return to the pool for the men’s 200 meters backstroke, he credits his wife for providing the emotional support that helps him maintain balance and perspective. “Having her gives me a lot of great balance in my life,” he explained. “She’s someone who could say, ‘Hey, Ryan, you’re going a little bit too hard at this, you can be a little bit softer on yourself today.’ She’s great for me and helps me keep a level head on things.”
The city of love, Paris, has seen a series of romantic gestures among Olympians, including engagements and heartfelt surprises, adding a personal touch to the global sporting event. As athletes compete for glory, moments like Murphy’s gender reveal remind the world of the personal triumphs and joys that lie beyond the medals.