From Chance Encounter to Enchanted Engagement: Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe's Captivating Love Story

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, two Olympic gold medalists, began dating in 2017, making them a remarkable power couple. They initially crossed paths backstage at a photo shoot for the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Rapinoe vividly remembers seeing Bird in her basketball attire with her hair flowing freely. Rapinoe shared this charming anecdote with NBC in 2021.

"We happened to cross paths and she exclaimed, 'Oh, hey! Are you prepared for your game?'" Bird shared. "I responded humorously, saying, 'Haha... amusing.'"

The renowned soccer player admitted that she regretted leaving "such a negative impression" on that occasion.

"Bird playfully taunted, 'So dorky. I walked away thinking, 'Aren't you supposed to be cool?' We now jokingly reminisce about it because she was such a dork."

Rapinoe publicly revealed her homosexuality in 2012. During an interview with The Sunday Magazine in 2020, she expressed that coming out had transformed her into "a better, more complete individual." The Olympic athlete further explained, "I believe that when you conceal even the smallest part of yourself, you are unable to fully embrace your potential in all areas of life. So, for me, it was a crucial step towards personal growth and unlocking my full potential."

Bird and Rapinoe began publicly dating in 2017, with Bird stating that she is gay and Rapinoe is her girlfriend. She clarified that it was not a secret to those who knew her, as she had already revealed her sexuality to her friends and family. Despite being engaged since October 2020 after three years of dating, Bird opened up in a May 2022 interview with The Seattle Times about why they have not yet gotten married.

"It's quite amusing, really. Megan takes the lead in our schedules," she remarked. "During the offseason, my schedule is wide open and I have plenty of time. Since the WNBA season only takes place in the summer, I still have ample time. Essentially, we're just waiting to see what Megan's soccer future holds, and then we'll plan accordingly. The soccer schedule is rather chaotic, as they play throughout the entire year. If I had to make an educated guess, I believe the World Cup for them is scheduled for 2023. Therefore, it will probably be after that. Our plans are solely dependent on our schedules, not necessarily based on our desires. Had it been solely up to us, we would have embarked on this journey a year ago."

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Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe's Relationship Timeline: From an Awkward 1st Meeting to a Romantic Engagement

Talk about a power couple! Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, both Olympic gold medalists, started dating in 2017.

Meeting backstage at a photo shoot for the 2016 Rio Olympics, the pair's first encounter was memorable. "She was donning her basketball uniform with her flowing hair," Rapinoe revealed to NBC in 2021.

As fate would have it, their paths intertwined and Bird playfully quipped, "'Oh, hey! Are you all set for your game?'" Amused by the comment, Rapinoe responded with a lighthearted chuckle.

The soccer star admitted to being disappointed in herself for creating a negative image.

Bird playfully taunted her, saying, "You were so awkward. I remember thinking, 'Aren't you supposed to be cool?' We laugh about it now because she was really quirky."

Rapinoe publicly revealed her homosexuality in 2012 and believes that this revelation made her a more complete person. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self to fully realize their potential in all areas of life.

Bird, on the other hand, chose to disclose her sexuality to the public in 2017 when she and Rapinoe began dating. She clarifies that being gay and being in a relationship with Megan was never a secret to those close to her. She did not feel the need to publicly discuss it, as she had already been open about her identity with her friends and family for a long time.

The athletes became engaged in October 2020 after dating for three years. In a May 2022 interview with The Seattle Times, the basketball star explained why she and Rapinoe have not yet married.

"It's Megan who determines the timing. My schedule is flexible during the offseason and the WNBA season is only in the summer. I have plenty of time. We are waiting to see what Megan's future in soccer holds before making any decisions. The soccer schedule is extremely demanding, with games throughout the year. If I were to speculate, I believe the World Cup for them is in 2023, so it will likely be after that. Our decision is solely based on our schedules, not our desires. If it were up to us, we would have gotten married a year ago."

Scroll through for a timeline of their relationship:

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2016

The two athletes met for the first time while backstage at a photoshoot for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Bird told NBC that Rapinoe was a “total dork” the first time they met.

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2017

Bird publicly revealed her sexual orientation and confirmed her relationship with Rapinoe during an interview with ESPNW. "I identify as gay, and Megan is my girlfriend ... this is no secret to those who are familiar with me," the renowned Olympic gold medalist shared with the media outlet.

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2018

The couple appeared in ESPN's Body Issue, posing nude together. "The Body Issue is simply amazing," Rapinoe stated. "I participated in it before, and every year when I flip through the magazine, it truly celebrates athletes and their appearance—our muscles, our scars."

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2019

Recorded prior to the World Cup, Rapinoe announced her intention to decline an invitation to the White House if the United States emerged as the champions. In response, then-President Donald Trump took to Twitter, stating, "Megan should focus on winning first rather than making statements." He further commented, "Megan should refrain from disrespecting our Country, the White House, or our flag."

In a blog entry shared through The Players' Tribune, Bird conveyed her views on her girlfriend's clash with the president.

"Megan, let me tell you something. That girl is unstoppable. She's going to do her own thing, at her own pace, following her own beat, and she won't apologize to anyone for it. When all the Trump controversy erupted last week, it was surprising, but Megan remained completely unfazed. It may sound strange, but her nonchalant attitude was the only thing that seemed normal about it. She's not pretending, that's for sure," she wrote.

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2020

The couple announced their engagement via Instagram with a captionless photo of Rapinoe down on one knee.

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2021

Rapinoe extended her heartfelt congratulations to her beloved fiancé for her remarkable achievement of securing her 5th Olympic Gold Medal in Tokyo. "I am immensely proud of you, @sbird10 ❤️. It's as if my love for you couldn't grow any stronger. Congratulations, my dear!" Rapinoe expressed, accompanying her sentiments with an Instagram photograph featuring her and Bird tenderly sharing a cherished moment courtside.

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2022

Bird expressed her aspiration for her and Rapinoe to serve as a source of inspiration for LGBTQ+ youth. She emphasized the significance of normalizing their relationship by sharing, "When Megan and I walk down the street, it is crucial that a young gay individual might think, 'Oh! They are not peculiar, they are simply content and leading their lives.' This holds immense importance for me because during my time in middle school, high school, and even college, being gay was associated with being strange. I deeply believe in our ability to transform this perception."

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2023

Announcing her retirement in July 2023, Rapinoe expressed her decision to conclude her career after the ongoing season. Sharing a childhood photo on Instagram, she gracefully stated, "With a profound sense of serenity and gratitude, I have chosen to bid farewell to this magnificent sport. Soccer has undoubtedly molded and transformed my life in ways unimaginable, however, as evinced by this radiant little girl, I believe she had always envisioned this path for me."

Bird shared a supportive comment: "Congrats, baby!! That little girl is going to continue to do so much good in this world (but she sure did kill it on the field ). I love you ️."