Olympic figure skater Alexa Scimeca Knierim, 26, has dedicated her most recent performance with husband Chris Knierim, 30, to the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland, Florida.
The couple took to the ice in the pair free skating event in Pyeongchang on Thursday.
She wrote: ‘May the hearts of those who are mourning the loss of victims in the shooting today be lifted up. You are on my mind and on my heart. God bless you all.’
Tribute: Olympic figure skater Alexa Scimeca Knierim, 26, has dedicated her most recent performance to the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting
Perfect match: Alexa took to the ice with husband Chris Knierim, 30, to compete in the pair free skating event at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games on Thursday February 15
Sympathy: In an interview straight after their performance she added that ‘today was much more than about us’
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At least 17 people were killed when gunman and former-student, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire on Valentine’s Day.
In an interview after their performance she added: We wanted to skate for the 17 children that died in the Florida shooting. And today was much more than about us.’
The couple have also been making headlines for kissing after every routine, ending their Valentine’s Day performance with a passionate embrace on the ice.
Chris, originally from California, also presented his wife with a large stuffed teddy bear and a hand-cut red heart printed with the words: ‘Will you still be mine’.
Sealed with a kiss! The couple has also been making headlines for kissing after every performance
Dazzling: On Valentine’s Day the couple wowed the crowd and finished in 14th place following the short program
Fairytale ending: The couple are hoping for a mixed-pairs medal after winning a team bronze
Valentine: The figure skater presented his wife with this hand-made card off the ice rink
The romantic gestures were caught on camera and marked the end of a dazzling display on the first day of the mixed-pairs competition.
The couple, who have been skating together since 2012 and married in 2016, are making their Winter Olympics debut.
They have already helped the US win bronze in the team competition. They are now the first married couple to compete in the mixed pairs since 1988.
Their short program, which they performed on Wednesday morning, saw Chris throw his wife high into the air so she can perform a dazzling twist.
The routine impressed the crowd and the couple finished in 14th place overall, meaning they qualify for the free skate on Thursday.
Breathtaking: Chris leans is wife down into a difficult hold as they continue to skate
Overwhelmed: The couple soak up the amazing atmosphere after their Wednesday routine
The Knierims first garnered media attention when they kissed following their routine in the team competition on Friday.
Speaking after the romantic moment, Alexa, originally from the Chicago suburb of Addison, Illinois, told PEOPLE: ‘When we kissed, in the back of my mind I was like: “We’re on Olympic ice”. It’s still such a big deal, we’re still like kids taking it in.’
After hearing the cheers from the crowd she asked her husband to ‘do one more’.
The Knierims first met in 2010 at an event in Wichita, Kansas. Two years later they were paired together and fell in love on the ice.