- Fred Sirieix will be watching from Paris as his daughter competes for diving gold
- Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix is set to participate in the women’s 10m platform final
- Fred, her dad, believes that catering to A-list celebrities pales in comparison to the nerves of the Olympics
A wave of anxiety washes over me as I watch Andrea dive. I recall nearly having a heart attack during the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she clinched two gold medals. Fortunately, Andrea handles the pressure far more adeptly than I do!
In diving, each dive is crucial. Often, it’s the final dive that determines the medal color you take home. You have to deliver when it counts.
As divers ascend to the 10-meter platform, a hush falls over the crowd. The tension is palpable, slicing through the silence. After the dive, the crowd’s reaction becomes a deafening roar.
Sitting in the stands, I endeavor to channel Andrea’s mindset. My pulse quickens, and I remind myself, ‘Relax, Fred’.
Throughout my career in Michelin-starred restaurants serving A-list clients, I can assure you that the stress of those evenings is trivial compared to this!
Fred Siriex (left) will be nervously watching his daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix (right) try to win gold at the Olympics in synchronised diving on Wednesday
Andrea Sirieix is aiming for gold with Team GB in the women’s synchronised 10m platform dive on Wednesday
Andrea is among the favourites to finish on top of the podium but knows that every dive matters
Andrea will partner her Team GB colleague Lois Toulson (right) in the women’s diving event
When I’m in a restaurant, I’m in control and fully aware of my actions. You encounter similar challenges each day, and failure is not an option.
In diving, however, uncertainty exists. Even the top athletes can have off days. Thankfully, Andrea has reached a level where such days are almost non-existent, so I feel assured when she dives.
My experience changed when Team GB invited me to try diving for a week. I was absolutely terrified.
Andrea witnessed my fear and said, ‘Daddy, you need to relax. I can see your heart racing from the poolside!’
Leaping from that height embodies true commitment. Standing on the edge, you have to take the plunge. A misstep can lead to a painful fall—believe me, I’ve learned the hard way.
I ended up covered in bruises because I consistently landed incorrectly. This is why being young and fit is crucial; at 52, it’s not a wise choice!
Andrea has done everything possible to prepare for this moment. She is in peak condition but facing strong competition in the 10m synchronised platform event today/tomorrow with her partner, Lois Toulson.
Andrea couldn’t have done anything more to be ready for this moment, said father Fred
Fred has been soaking up the atmosphere within Team GB’s camp at the Paris Olympics
For Andrea to earn an Olympic medal in France, my homeland, would be a dream come true.
Gold is the goal, but her life shouldn’t revolve solely around whether she secures an Olympic title. Being chosen to represent Team GB at a second Games is a remarkable achievement in itself. As an emotional parent, tears are inevitable regardless of the outcome.
Ultimately, what’s important is that Andrea enjoys the experience. She should strive to do her best and feel proud of her performance. If she loses to a better diver, c’est la vie.
Fred Sirieix was speaking to Henry Clark. Fred is part of the BBC’s coverage of the Olympic Games.
