British diver Andrea Spendolini-Cillix made a sobering confession after finishing sixth in the women’s 10-meter platform final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old Olympian, whose father is French chef and TV personality Fred Sirix, broke down in tears during a post-competition interview as he spoke about his past mental struggles.
“Obviously it wasn’t the result I wanted, but I’m not upset with the competition because the girls did a great job and did better than me because they worked really hard and like you said, it wasn’t supposed to happen,” Spendolini-Cillix said through tears. “Really, I’m not trying to be a man. I’m not upset with my performance.
“Three years ago I didn’t even want to be alive. Now I’m just happy to be alive, breathing and to have my family support me.”
Spendolini-Cillics finished seventh in the same event at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
2024 Paris Olympics
“My mom was like, ‘Keep smiling, we’re proud of you and we’re here to see you,'” she said of the moment she shared with her mother after Tuesday’s event. “And at the end of the day, that’s all I want, I just want to go see them.”
Her father was there too. Worked as a BBC Sports presenterHe provides commentary and analysis at the Summer Olympics.
“Siliks reposted the interview with his daughter to X, writing, ‘My love,’ along with a red heart emoji.
he I interviewed her on BBC Sport. She won a bronze medal in the synchronized 10-meter platform event on Monday with teammate Lois Toulson.
“What I like most about my daughter is her positive attitude.” he told the outlet on Tuesday..
“I wasn’t on the podium today. [in the women’s 10m platform final]Tonight will be quiet and tomorrow I will be back to being a happy, smiling Andrea, enjoying life, enjoying Paris and just enjoying this moment.
“That’s Andrea. She’s beautiful because she’s balanced. It’s about knowing who you are and living life to the fullest, and that’s exactly what she does, so I’m so happy for her.”
“She won an Olympic bronze medal last week and shared a wonderful moment with her father, Fred.”
Spendolini-Cillix took to Instagram to thank athletes for their support and vowed to return to the Olympics.
“Never give up. You’ll come back stronger,” she wrote.
After winning the bronze medal on Monday, Spendolini-Cillix became emotional as she recalled the “crazy” events of the past two years.
“I gave glory to God and grew so much, not only as an athlete but as a person.” She said:
Spendolini-Siriex has won three medals at the 2024 World Championships: one gold medal (team) and two bronze medals (10-meter platform and 10-meter synchronized with Lois Toulson).
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, or Suicide Prevention Lifeline.org.
