Kazan Russia: Italy-s Simone Ruffini won the world championship men-s marathon 25km open water gold medal on Saturday and celebrated by proposing to his girlfriend on the podium.


Italy-s Simone Ruffini holds a sign for his girlfriend Aurora Ponsale left in Italian that reads "Aurora will you marry me?" as he stands atop the victory podium after winning gold in the 25km open water event at the FINA World Swimming championships in Kazan, Russia recently. Pics/AFP, Getty Images  

Ruffini edged out Alex Meyer of the US and compatriot Matteo Furlan for the title after first overcoming a stomach complaint. But even that challenge was nothing compared to the nerves needed to unfurl a proposal convincing Italian teammate Aurora Ponsele to marry him just as he received his medal.