The internet is buzzing over Olympian Apsara Sakbun’s ecstatic reaction to a surprise proposal, capturing the hearts of millions with her infectious joy and a touch of whimsical self-proclaimed “witchcraft.” The Cambodian-American swimmer, who represented Cambodia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, found herself with another ring to celebrate as she ended the year engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Duncan McLarty. Sakbun’s unrestrained delight, documented in a now-viral TikTok video, has taken social media by storm, showcasing a genuine and heartwarming moment that resonates with viewers worldwide.
From Olympic Pools to a Surprise Proposal: Apsara Sakbun’s Whirlwind Year
Apsara Sakbun, 23, has had a remarkable year. After competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, she experienced another life-changing event: a surprise proposal from her partner of nearly five years, Duncan McLarty, 24. The proposal, which took place on December 26, 2024, at the Indianapolis Art Center in Indiana, was captured on video and quickly gained traction online, amassing over a million views on TikTok.
The video, captioned “POV (point of view): the camera man when we got engaged,” showcases Sakbun’s raw and unfiltered reaction in the moments immediately following McLarty’s proposal. Her initial shock quickly transforms into exuberant joy, complete with excited shouts, impromptu dance moves (including an enthusiastic attempt at the Dougie), and a playful declaration: “I’m a witch! I’m a witch! I knew it!”
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Apsara Sakbun’s infectious joy after being surprised with a proposal from Duncan McLarty. Photo by Brailen Harrington.
“I Knew It Was Going to Happen”: Sakbun’s Intuition and the Magic of the Moment
Sakbun’s “witch” proclamation, she later explained, stemmed from a strong sense of intuition and premonition. “I swear I am a witch because I just have the strongest intuition like I have dreams about things and they actually happen,” she shared in an interview. She confessed to having dreamt of the proposal and feeling a deep knowing that it was imminent, describing it as “more than an intuition thing.” This element of foreseen destiny adds a layer of enchantment to the already heartwarming narrative.
While acknowledging the humor in her outburst, Sakbun admitted to being caught up in the whirlwind of emotions. “I didn’t even know that it came out looking back at the videos,” she laughed. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I said that.’ ” This candid reflection further endears her to viewers, highlighting her authenticity and genuine surprise.
A Christmas Pop-Up Deception and a Dream Come True: The Story Behind the Proposal
McLarty orchestrated the surprise by telling Sakbun they were going to a Christmas pop-up bar. Instead, he led her to the Indianapolis Art Center, where he got down on one knee and presented her with an oval diamond ring set on a gold band with silver prongs. Sakbun, initially rushed and unsuspecting, was completely taken aback. “He was rushing me and I was thinking there’s no way if I’m getting proposed to he’s gonna be rushing me,” she recalled.
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Apsara Sakbun moments before the surprise proposal. Photo by Brailen Harrington.
The video captures Sakbun’s disbelief and overwhelming joy as she admires her ring, exclaiming, “Oh my God, we’re gonna get married! I’m gonna be a wife!” Her infectious enthusiasm elicited laughter from McLarty, who, according to Sakbun, is accustomed to her exuberant personality. “He’s used to me being insane,” she quipped. “So he was just laughing it off.” This glimpse into their dynamic further solidifies the couple’s genuine connection and McLarty’s understanding of Sakbun’s spirited nature.
A Viral Sensation: TikTok’s Embrace of Authentic Joy
The proposal video resonated deeply with TikTok users, who praised Sakbun’s unfiltered reaction and playful spirit. Comments poured in, celebrating the “best proposal reaction ever,” finding humor in her dance moves and “witch” declaration. The video’s popularity underscores the public’s appetite for authentic moments of joy and the power of genuine human connection.
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Apsara Sakbun and Duncan McLarty share a joyful embrace after the proposal.
From Olympian to Bride-to-Be: A New Chapter for Apsara Sakbun
Sakbun’s journey from Olympic athlete to bride-to-be is a testament to the multifaceted nature of life’s experiences. Her viral proposal video offers a heartwarming glimpse into a moment of pure joy and excitement, reminding us of the power of love, surprise, and genuine human connection. As Sakbun embarks on this new chapter, her infectious enthusiasm continues to inspire and uplift, leaving a lasting impression on those who have witnessed her authentic and unforgettable reaction.
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Duncan McLarty and Apsara Sakbun celebrate their engagement. Photo by Brailen Harrington.
Frequently Asked Questions about Apsara Sakbun and Duncan McLarty
Who is Apsara Sakbun?
Apsara Sakbun is a Cambodian-American swimmer who represented Cambodia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She is also a social media personality, recently gaining viral fame for her ecstatic reaction to a surprise proposal.
Who is Duncan McLarty?
Duncan McLarty is the fiancé of Apsara Sakbun. He planned and executed the surprise proposal that led to Sakbun’s viral video.
Where did the proposal take place?
The proposal took place at the Indianapolis Art Center in Indiana on December 26, 2024.
What made the proposal video go viral?
The video went viral due to Sakbun’s authentic and unrestrained joy, her playful claim of being a “witch” due to her intuition, and her overall infectious enthusiasm.
