As U.S. gymnast Brody Malone competes in the Paris Olympics, his fiancée, Serena Ortiz, is right there cheering him on. This moment marks a significant comeback for Malone, who faced a challenging knee injury last March. Throughout his recovery and rehabilitation, Ortiz played a crucial role, providing unwavering support. Malone expressed his gratitude, saying, “By having her there, literally waiting on me hand and foot, I could see the love in her heart, and it just made me realize how special of a person she was. We grew so close and had some amazing conversations, because I couldn’t do anything else. It was time very well spent with each other.”
Serena Ortiz hails from Canton, Georgia, where she attended Cherokee High School. She later graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2022, where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority. The couple is set to tie the knot in May 2025, and they got engaged on New Year’s Eve in Sarasota, Florida. Ortiz shared her approach to wedding planning, stating, “I’ll find my favorite things, and then pick three to five options. I give them to him and ask for his favorite, which I’ve found is a lot less overwhelming.” Malone, on his part, is eagerly anticipating seeing Ortiz walk down the aisle, noting, “I’ve heard that her dress is awesome, and I keep trying to be sneaky and find a picture of it, but she’s been very protective.”
Their love story is one that resonates deeply, especially as Malone prepares for the 2024 Olympics. The couple first crossed paths through gymnastics, thanks to a mutual friend who introduced them. Malone recalls, “One of my teammates at my club gym in high school introduced us. After a year of getting to know him, he came up to me one day and said, ‘Hey, I know a girl I think you would really like. I’m gonna invite her to come to the gym.'” Ortiz initially hesitated but eventually decided to attend a practice in the summer of 2017. The moment they met, Ortiz felt an instant connection, saying, “As soon as I met him, I thought, ‘I really like this guy.’ For me, you could say it was love at first sight.”
Their relationship blossomed quickly, and they officially started dating in September 2017. However, being in a relationship with a professional athlete came with its challenges. Ortiz prioritized her education by taking online classes, allowing her to travel and support Malone during his competitions. Malone expressed his appreciation for Ortiz’s dedication, stating, “If she wasn’t willing to be that dedicated, it may have been a different story. I’m super blessed and grateful that she was as dedicated as she was to our relationship.”
The couple faced a significant test in March 2023 when Malone suffered a severe knee injury during a competition in Germany. The injury was devastating, requiring multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Despite the challenges, Ortiz remained by Malone’s side, providing support and care during his recovery. Malone reflected on this time, saying, “My fiancée Serena, she’s amazing. She basically worked from home for two weeks and flew out to take care of me.” This experience brought them even closer, solidifying their bond.
As they navigated the ups and downs of Malone’s recovery, the couple’s love only deepened. Ortiz’s unwavering support during this difficult time made Malone realize how special she truly is. He shared, “I could see the love in her heart, and it just made me realize how special of a person she was.” Their relationship has grown stronger through adversity, and they are now excitedly planning their future together.
The engagement came as a natural progression in their relationship. After dating for about six years, Malone felt confident that Ortiz was “the one.” He proposed on New Year’s Eve 2023, a moment that Ortiz had anticipated. She noted that the presence of her parents and best friend during the trip tipped her off about the proposal. Malone planned a romantic sunrise proposal at their favorite spot, capturing the moment with a photographer, as Ortiz had requested.
With the engagement behind them, the couple wasted no time in planning their wedding. Ortiz has taken the lead in organizing the details, using tools to manage their budget and find vendors. They have chosen a picturesque lakeside venue near Malone’s hometown in Georgia, inspired by a vintage toile theme and a “coastal grandmother” aesthetic. Ortiz envisions a wedding filled with hydrangeas and hues of blue, reflecting their Southern roots.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Olympics, the couple remains focused on their wedding plans. Malone expressed his eagerness to see Ortiz in her wedding dress for the first time, while Ortiz looks forward to living together after spending much of their relationship apart. Their journey together has been marked by love, dedication, and resilience, and they are ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives.
As Malone competes in the Paris Olympics, Ortiz continues to be his biggest supporter, cheering him on from the sidelines. Their love story is a testament to the power of partnership, and as they prepare for their wedding, they are excited about the future they will build together.
Source: Town & Country, Heavy, The Knot
