Marvin Mackay describes his NYRR Millrose Games wedding proposal to Samantha Edwards, who finished third in the meet’s 400m:

Well, let me say, growing up, you hear a lot of folk saying things like "love at first sight,” but I never believed in that, I mean come on, you see someone, and you instantly love them right? No! I never could have imagined such a thing, until 20 years later when I first laid eyes on my Caribbean Queen. From the first time; before I even introduced myself to her I knew, I would marry that woman.

From the first week of us talking, and getting to know each other, marriage would creep into the conversations as though we'd been a couple for years. I officially asked her to be my girlfriend on July 1st, after months of us getting to know each other. Of course she was excited, I mean what woman wouldn't be?

I originally planned to ask for Samantha's hand in marriage during Christmas, after getting her mothers, and aunts blessing. So that was my plan, it was going to officially be my first time around the entire family, and I just knew it would mean so much to her. The only problem was, I hadn’t met everyone yet, and her mom was a little nervous about it, they are Caribbean people, very old fashion by the books!

So after talking it over with her mom and aunt, we decided that Christmas may not be the best time. I haven't met everyone yet, and the only thing they knew is this guy Samantha is dating, and for me to just ask for her hand during a family holiday would have just been down right awkward after really thinking about. So we just enjoyed Christmas, I met everyone, they all loved me, we hit it off! Now it was time for me to plan my second attempt.

I went a month just thinking how would I do this, how I could make this even more special than doing it with her family involved? Then it hit me, the 2016 NYRR Millrose Games: one of the biggest indoor track and field stages!

On Feb 8^th, 2016 I was sitting in my office like ‘how am I going to make this work.’ So I just Googled a number for the Armory, listened to the directory, and got in touch with a guy named Rick, really nice and helpful person. Explained to him what it was I trying to do, he was shocked, he said and I quote “we've never had a phone call, or question like this before.” He didn't hesitate, he said, “I'll need some information from you and I'll pass this up above me.”

Maybe an hour later I get an email informing me that the Armory would do their best to see this through. I Gained All-Access to the games, was able to be in the areas with the athletes, I would say it helped that I'm a former football player, and currently still have the look, I basically blended right in with everyone.

Samantha had not a clue what was going on. I informed her agent, and training partner of my plans, they immediate jumped into action! My plan was to simple, wait until she ran her 400 meter race, didn't want to distract her, she placed top 3, yay Sammi!

After waiting for her to come back to the dressing area, and while at the peak of the meet, while everyone were still there and involved, an out of breath Samantha made her way back over, she immediately wanted to sit, I pulled her back up while hugging and pretty much holding her up, I said, "baby do you want to know how much I love you?”

Her reply was, "baby, I know, I know, can I please sit down!” As she started to sit back down, I went on one knee in front of her, and ask the love of my life to marry me. She was crying and out of breath at the same time, nothing was coming out, really funny and serious at the same time. I had a couple photographers capture the moment, and surprisingly a videographer that was capturing moments for the Invictus Dash got some film. It was an epic experience, and she said. "yes!"

It couldn't have been any better. A top three finish and a proposal afterwords. Her weekend was made, and we both want to thank everyone for the love and support. Samantha's a familiar face at the Armory, as she does her training there, anyone can feel free to speak, and or congratulate. 

Thank you, and God bless.