Alex McKinnon, a former NRL star who is quadriplegic, has recently expressed his love for his new girlfriend Lilly Malone by getting a tattoo of her lips on his arm. The 32-year-old athlete and his 22-year-old partner shared a black and white photo of the fresh ink on their Instagram Stories. The tattoo of Lilly’s lips sits above an outline of a chili, with Lilly confirming in the caption that they were indeed her lips. The couple first went public with their relationship in March with a loved-up photo on their Instagram pages, and Lilly, who is studying social work at the University of Newcastle, posted the same photo on her own page shortly after. This new romance comes two years after Alex split from his ex-wife Teigan Power.
Alex McKinnon’s love story with Teigan captivated Australians after he suffered a severe spinal injury during a rugby league game in 2014, leaving him in a wheelchair. Despite the devastating news from doctors that he would likely be quadriplegic and never walk again, Teigan, then just 20 years old, vowed to support him through his recovery. The couple had three children together through IVF – Harriet Ann in 2018, followed by twins Audrey and Violet in 2021 – before deciding to part ways in 2022. In a recent interview, Alex expressed his openness to having more children, acknowledging the importance of family in his life.
In his interview, Alex reflected on the challenges he has faced in the past few years, including going through a divorce and experiencing the loss of extended family support. He emphasized the joy that his children bring to his life and expressed a desire to expand his family further. Despite his split from Teigan, Alex maintains a positive relationship with his ex-wife and expressed gratitude for her support during a difficult period in his life. The former NRL star also mentioned that people evolve and change over time, highlighting the need to embrace these changes and continue growing as individuals.
The presence of Lilly in Alex’s life marks a new chapter for the former athlete, showcasing his ability to find love and happiness after facing significant challenges. The couple’s public displays of affection on social media demonstrate their strong bond and mutual affection for each other. Lily’s support and companionship have clearly had a positive impact on Alex, who has been vocal about the importance of having loved ones around him. Despite the hardships he has endured, Alex’s resilience and optimistic outlook on life serve as inspiration to those who have followed his journey of recovery and personal growth.
The fresh tattoo of Lilly’s lips serves as a symbolic gesture of love and commitment from Alex, showcasing the depth of their connection. The decision to permanently ink Lily’s lips on his arm is a testament to the significance of their relationship and the impact she has had on his life. As Alex continues to navigate the challenges of quadriplegia and embrace new opportunities for growth and happiness, his love for Lilly remains a constant source of strength and joy. The couple’s willingness to share their love story with the public reflects their genuine affection for each other and their openness to embracing new beginnings together.
