Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix said she was ‘just happy to be breathing’ after a disappointing performance in the Olympics final – admitting she ‘didn’t even want to be alive’ three years ago.
An emotional Spendolini-Sirieix gave an interview to the BBC shortly after finishing sixth in the women’s 10m platform final and missing out on a second medal of the Paris 2024 Games.
As a two-time British champion and Olympic silver medallist alongside Team GB partner Lois Toulson, the 19-year-old was expected to challenge for a medal in the individual event.
But Spendolini-Sirieix failed to produce her top form in the final at the Paris Aquatics Centre and was in tears after her final dive.
The 19-year-old was hugged and consoled by her coaches before she gave an emotional interview to the BBC beside the pool.
‘Obviously it’s not the result I wanted but I’m not even upset with the competition,’ Spendolini-Sirieix said.
‘The other girls were amazing, they were better than me. It wasn’t meant to be. I’m genuinely not trying to be macho, I’m not upset with my performance.
‘Three years ago, I didn’t even want to be alive so today I’m just happy I’m alive, I’m breathing and I’ve got my family to support me.’
Spendolini-Sirieix ran to her mum in the stands after the final and revealed what she told her.
‘My mum told me to just keep smiling and she said she was proud of me and they were here to see me,’ she added. ‘At the end of the day, that’s all I can ask for.
‘I’m so happy to be here, to be at the Olympic Games. It’s been a really long year and it doesn’t take away from my accomplishments this year.
‘Just missing out on one medal doesn’t change who I am. It was just God’s way of saying there is more to do and I just give God all the glory.’
Turning 20 next month, Spendolini-Sirieix promises to have a long and successful diving career ahead of her and has been tipped to feature in ‘two or three more’ Olympic Games.
‘I think Andrea competed really well,’ Commonwealth Games silver medallist Tonia Couch said.
‘She just didn’t have her normal sparkle and that’s probably why she was frustrated today. Her crying wasn’t because she was sad about her performance because she was amazing.
‘She was just a bit more frustrated because she can get that medal. She is young, she got probably two or three more Olympics in her.
‘I said to Lois [Toulson] yesterday for not making the final “don’t worry, you’re an Olympic medallist.”
‘Andrea and her coach get on really well, he knows how to handle her. He has been a real good support system for her as well as her friends and family.
‘The fact that she is here competing and looking outstanding, they’ve done a real good job.
‘She is winning medals left right and centre this year so it has been a long year for her.’
Diving expert Karen Pickering was also impressed by the teenager despite her medal-less performance in the individual event.
‘She finished with a stunning dive,’ Pickering said on BBC Radio 5 Live. ‘That was a lovely, lovely final dive there.
‘A piece of class from Andrea. It has been difficult for her today, she hasn’t dived as well as she did in the semi-finals yesterday.
‘We can see the tears are coming now. But to step up in the final dive and produce the best one that she has for the session shows her class.
‘I think there are tears of frustration because she knows how good she is. Bronze medallist already but there will not be another one this time around.’
Leon Taylor, who represented Great Britain at the 2004 Olympics, said Spendolini-Sirieix – the daughter of TV personality Fred – can ‘hold her head high’ after her performances in Paris.
‘We’ve seen what she’s capable of throughout these Olympic Games,’ he said. ‘She was sparkling in the semi-finals, she just hasn’t gone her way in the final.
‘She will be frustrated and have some reflections. But she should hold her head high because she’s dived her very best in Paris.’
China continued their stunning form at the aquatics centre as Quan Hongchan took gold – defending her Olympic title – while team-mate Chen Yuxi took silver. North Korea’s Kim Mi Rae was back in third.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS, the Prevention of Young Suicide UK.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
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