AceShowbiz - Rowing sensation Justin Best, 26, from Kennett Square, Pa., not only brought home Team USA's first gold in the men's four rowing competition in 64 years but also etched his own fairy-tale moment into Olympic history.

During a live segment on the "Today" show on Monday, August 5, Best proposed to his girlfriend of nine years, Lainey Duncan, in a heartwarming and meticulously planned moment in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Best's proposal was nothing short of spectacular. Surrounded by family members holding 2,738 yellow roses - each representing a day the couple had communicated through Snapchat - the rower took a knee and asked Duncan the "easiest question of [his] life."

He said, "Lainey Olivia Duncan, you are the love of my life. You have been with me since day one. I knew you were special the moment I said - it was the first date - I said to you, 'I wanted to go to the Olympics,' and you without question said, 'Yeah, absolutely. Go for it.' " Her immediate "Yes" lit up the faces of "Today" hosts and Team USA members alike.

Best detailed how he chose Paris for the proposal, describing the city as Lainey's favorite. "She is a fashion designer and absolutely loves the history of the fashion empires that have been started in the city," he told PEOPLE. Her connection to Paris made it the perfect backdrop, with the iconic Eiffel Tower punctuating the couple's special moment.

Best's meticulously selected engagement ring - a "2.01 Ct natural G diamond in an emerald cut solitaire on a platinum setting" - was purchased in December. He noted his father's significant role in safeguarding the ring until the big day, adding a sentimental layer to the moment.

Reflecting on his nerves, Best compared the tension to the Olympics, "If I had a heart rate monitor on, I might be, like, 130 beats per minute," he joked with Today's Al Roker. Best and Duncan's joy radiated as he quipped, "I got the gold and the girl. And she got the diamond."

Earlier this month, Best, alongside teammates Nick Mead, Michael Grady, and Liam Corrigan, secured their historic victory. His words revealed a humorous yet profound approach to motivation, citing Jason Kelce's iconic Super Bowl parade speech. "We watched it the other day," he shared. "I had my girlfriend on my shoulder when he was giving that speech, and I'm just like, 'I'm excited.' "

Justin Best's journey in Paris is a testament to dreams fulfilled on multiple fronts, blending athletic triumph with the ultimate personal gesture of love. For this Olympian, the Paris Games were not just about making history but also carving out a timeless moment with his fiancée.