Olympic torchbearer David State proposes to girlfriend during ceremony

If you like events that involve the Olympic torch and unique proposals, this is a story you won’t soon forget. David State, a 25-year-old torchbearer for the London Olympics, proposed to his girlfriend during a torch ceremony in England on Monday as swarms of people lined the streets. The lovely lady, Christine Langham, gladly accepted.

“I was in complete shock,” she said according to the Daily Mail. “I think I still am, it obviously emotional anyway watching him run with the torch, but then he palmed it off with somebody and got down on one knee.

“I was surprised I didn’t give birth there and then. I was trying not to cry, at first I was in a fit of sobs a little bit and then said yes.”

Langham, 27, is pregnant with the couple’s first child. State was chosen as a torchbearer because of his voluntary service with the Scout movement. He has raised more than $15,000 for charities over the past 10 years.

After popping the question, State needed to get back to his duties and continue carrying the Olympic torch. That part, he says, was what made this particular proposal bizarre.

“I can’t really explain it,” State said. “The only thing that could come out of my mouth at the time was ‘I’ve got to go’ and I ran off with the torch. I think if I’d stayed any longer I would have burst into tears. Christine was crying her eyes out, bless her.”

One thing is for sure — you won’t find a more unique proposal than the one Langham was surprised with. Juggling the Olympic torch and an engagement ring takes some serious commitment. Between State and this 91-year-old athlete, London has itself some interesting torchbearers for the Summer Games.

H/T CBSSports.com