Fresh development in former Olympic swimming champion Stephanie Rice’s love life

Aussie Olympic great Stephanie Rice went public with her new boyfriend over Christmas. Now, less than three months later, there is a major update in the romance.

Olympic great Stephanie Rice has sparked rumours of a break-up with her boyfriend, spurning romance for her new relationship with God.

Back in Australia from her Dubai base, the three-time Gold Olympic medallist returned home to speak at a Christian charity event after declaring she had found faith off the back of competing on reality show, SAS Australia.

It hasn’t even been three months since Rice debuted her new romance on social media with former soldier Dane Christison.

At Christmas, she shared: “I wouldn’t have expected the year to end this way.”

The post appears to have since been removed. Other images of the pair also appear to have been removed.

Stephanie Rice who is about to compete in SAS Australia, St. Lucia. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Giving my life to God, following His call to move my life to Dubai, meeting you on my first week at Church in Brisbane and spending our first Christmas together in New York,” she wrote.

“I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for this … you just have to keep faith in His plan and in His timing … God is so so good and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for 2024️.”

Rice did not respond to requests for comment.

Christison had reportedly served in East Timor and Iraq before creating a business titled Survive to Thrive Nation to coach former soldiers transition to regular life post service.

Rice famously previously dated fellow Olympic swimmer Eamon Sullivan and rugby player Quade Cooper.

Stephanie Rice at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Stephanie Rice at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

She was also previously linked to American swimming great Michael Phelps.

The 35-year-old at the weekend took to Instagram to share that she was back in home town Brisbane from Dubai to speak at a Christian event, as well as shoot for a new brand partner.

“I’m looking forward to heading back to Dubai shortly but this trip to Australia has been rewarding in so many ways,” Rice wrote.

“Praise the Lord for all the good He is doing in every area of my life. thank you God.”

Dozens commented on the post, including one user named @breynolds892, who asked: “Have you broken up with your man, we haven’t seen anything with him since you’ve been in town?”

Another responded: “that’s what I was wondering too.”

Rice declared she had found faith after competing on hit Seven reality show SAS Australia at the beginning of last year. While Matthew Mitcham and Tim Robards were the only celebrities to pass selection, Rice was forced to medically withdraw four episodes in due to dislocating her shoulder during a challenge.

Iraq veteran Dane Christison.

Stephanie Rice in 2018. Picture: Nigel Hallet

She is a devoted follower of a small Pentecostal Christian church called Kingdomcity, which has locations around the world, including Brisbane and Dubai.

In an Instagram story on Wednesday, Rice wrote: “God has done amazing things in me these past 5 months … and my gosh has he blessed me”.

Rice noted it had been a “super tough time”.

“But I kept surrendering and relinquishing control,” she continued. “I’ve honestly never felt better than I do right now. I’ve still got healing to do, but God is gracing me with His peace and love and joy and the most incredible and supportive community that live and breath Gods love. I’m excited for what’s to come.”

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