Who is Clayton Murphy's wife? US runner found love in athlete Ariana Washington at Rio Olympics
American middle-distance runner Clayton Murphy is a top contender for the gold medal in the Men's 800-meter Final event at the Tokyo Olympics. The 26-year-old Olympian from Greenville, Ohio, had previously won the gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, the track-and-field athlete gained the limelight after winning the bronze medal in the 800-meter run.
However, the bronze medal was not all he won at the Rio Olympics, as he won the heart of fellow Olympian Ariana Washington as well. Fast forward five years, the duo is happily married and parents to two fur babies. Murphy and Washington happen to be one of the many US athletes who found love with their fellow Olympians — namely Devon Allen and Tara Davis, among others.
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Who is Ariana Washington?
US Sprinter Ariana Washington specializes in 100 meter and 200-meter events. She notably represented the Team USA at the 4x100 meter relay in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 24-year-old athlete from California has a gold medal to her name from the 2017 World Championships, where she was a part of the relay team.
Washington first met Murphy at the US Track and Field Athletes Lounge in the Rio Olympic Village. The pair reportedly bonded over a game of Uno for the first time. They started dating officially soon afterward and have been inseparable ever since. The couple frequently shares cozy photos with each other on social media, coupled with romantic captions.
In 2018, Murphy popped the question to Washington at a serene location in Napa County, California. While announcing their engagement to the world, Murphy wrote, "I pulled off the biggest surprise of her life. She is forever mine. Partners in crime for life. 💍🍾💙"
The couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony on December 7, 2019, in presence of their families and friends. While sharing photos from their wedding, Ariana Washington penned a heartwarming note about her husband, saying, "Clayton, my baby, my best friend. I feel so blessed to be your wife. I thank God everyday for creating you for me and me for you. You’re everything I prayed for and more. This day to solidify in front of our family and friends what we already knew was perfect. We’re perfect - together. I love you @claytonmurphy"
Murphy himself wrote an emotional post for his wife on the occasion of their first wedding anniversary. "A year ago we stood in front our family & closest friends and committed to a life together forever. This year has been nothing but special everyday! I’m beyond excited for us to keep chasing our dreams together and for us to find that next amazing adventure. Happy Anniversary my love, and cheers to so many more! 🥂❤️," he shared while wishing Ariana.
Whenever Murphy is competing on the tracks, Ariana has always been spotted cheering on for her husband from the stands. Catch Murphy in action at the 800 m finals on August 4, 2021, at 8:05 am EST.