With tears in her eyes, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, daughter of First Dates host Fred, openly shared that she “didn’t want to be alive three years ago,” moments after narrowly missing a medal in the women’s 10m platform final.
The emotional Team GB athlete fought back tears while speaking to the BBC after placing sixth in the competition, which dashed her hopes of adding another medal to her tally at the Paris Olympics.
A visibly affected Spendolini-Sirieix expressed to the BBC: ‘Clearly, this wasn’t the outcome I had hoped for, but I’m not even disheartened by the competition; the other girls performed remarkably.
They outperformed me today, and their dedication reflects in their dives. It simply wasn’t in the cards. Honestly, I’m not trying to put on a brave face; I’m truly not upset with my performance.
Three years ago, I was grappling with the desire to just be alive, so today, I am grateful just to be breathing and to have the support of my family.’
A tearful Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix bravely admits she ‘didn’t want to be alive three years ago’ just moments after agonisingly missing out on a medal in the women’s 10m platform final
The Team GB star choked back tears after her valiant effort in the 10m platform final
First Dates host Fred Sirieix, pictured last month, has been presented for his daughter’s dives
The tearful Team GB star receives a big hug from her coach after missing out on a medal
She continued, ‘My mom told me, “Just keep smiling – we love you. We’re here for you.” At the end of the day, that’s all I can ask for.
‘I just want to go see them.’
Fred Sirieix, famous for appearing on First Dates and the father of Andrea, shared his thoughts with the BBC: ‘What I cherish about my daughter is her optimism. Although she didn’t make it to the podium today, this evening, she’ll have some quiet time, and tomorrow she’s back to being the happy, cheerful Andrea.
‘She’ll enjoy life, relish Paris, and savor the moment.
‘That’s Andrea. And it’s beautiful because it demonstrates balance. It’s crucial to know who you are and make the most out of life, and that’s precisely what she’s doing. So, I am incredibly proud of her.’
Regarding her performance at the Games, where she has already secured a bronze medal, Spendolini-Sirieix stated: ‘I’m thrilled to be here at the Olympic Games. It has been a long year, and this doesn’t diminish my achievements.
‘Just missing out on another medal doesn’t change my identity, so it’s God’s way of indicating that there’s still more ahead. I attribute all the glory to God.’
Having previously claimed a bronze in the women’s synchronized 10m platform dive during the Paris Olympics, Spendolini-Sirieix narrowly missed her second medal on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old began with a strong dive that scored her 76.80, placing her fourth in the standings early on.
Spendolini-Sirieix blows a kiss to her loved ones in the stands at the Aquatics centre
Spendolini-Sirieix missed out on a medal in the women’s 10m platform final
The 19-year-old, who is the daughter of First Dates host Fred, got off to a promising start
But the British star fell down the rankings over the five rounds on Tuesday afternoon
However, Spendolini-Sirieix’s performance in the next three rounds saw her drop in the rankings, leading her to miss out on medal contention.
Her scores for rounds two through four were 62.40, 64.50, and 60.20, respectively, but she concluded with an outstanding dive of 81.60, bringing her total score to 345.50.
Last week, Spendolini-Sirieix stole the hearts of many by claiming an impressive bronze medal, leaving her proud father beaming with joy during a post-event interview.
She and her diving partner, Lois Toulson, 24, delivered a remarkable last dive to secure a place on the podium after initially falling behind due to a subpar third dive.
They seemed to be out of the running for a medal but made a stunning comeback to clinch bronze, and Sirieix was overjoyed as he connected with his daughter live on the BBC after they shared an emotional hug.
Spendolini-Sirieix, 19, (right) and Lois Toulson, 24, (left) won bronze earlier in the Games
Andrea (second right) is the daughter of First Dates host Fred Sirieix (right)
‘What a competition! It’s always an emotional ride with you girls,’ Sirieix remarked, eliciting laughter from the GB duo.
‘You really pushed me to the limit. But that final dive was breathtaking. You recognized you had to nail it, and you did. It was incredible.
‘I am in awe of what they’ve accomplished. It’s been an extraordinary journey for them; they’ve won a medal and showcased their talent. I’m so impressed and genuinely delighted for you both. I couldn’t be prouder.’
