Fred Sirieix, the host of First Dates, couldn’t help but feel immense pride after his daughter, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, who is also a Team GB star, courageously shared that she ‘didn’t want to be alive three years ago’ right after missing out on a medal in the 10-metre platform event.
The 19-year-old diver, who previously secured a bronze in the 10m synchronized diving, has opened up about her battles with anxiety following her debut at the Tokyo Games, where she nearly walked away from the sport.
On Tuesday, Spendolini-Sirieix fought back tears, sharing the depths of despair she experienced in 2021 and explaining her gratitude for simply being alive today.
Fred expressed his happiness for his daughter and detailed what he admires most about her.
“What I love about my daughter is her positivity,” Sirieix shared with the BBC. “Even though she didn’t make it to the podium today, she’s going to have a quiet night and then tomorrow she will return to being her happy, smiley self.”
Fred Sirieix (left) expressed his pride for his daughter Andrea (right) following her performances at the Paris Olympics.
The French TV personality shared his support for his daughter on social media.
A tearful Andrea bravely confessed she ‘didn’t want to be alive three years ago’ just moments after missing out on a medal in the women’s 10m platform final.
The Team GB star teared up after her determined performance in the 10m platform final.
‘I’m focusing on enjoying life, soaking in Paris, and fully embracing the moment.
‘That’s Andrea for you. It’s beautiful to see, for it signifies balance in life. Knowing who you are and making the most of every opportunity is what she’s exemplifying. I am extremely proud of her.’
After narrowly missing a medal, Spendolini-Sirieix poignantly shared in an emotional interview that she ‘didn’t want to be alive three years ago’ .
Just six days prior, it was Fred who was emotional, filled with pride and joy after she and Lois Toulson secured bronze in the synchronized 10m competition.
In the wake of Tuesday’s performance, Spendolini-Sirieix became emotional as she confided to the BBC: ‘Obviously, the result wasn’t what I anticipated, but I hold no resentment toward the competition because the other girls performed incredibly well.
‘They outperformed me today, which is a testament to their hard work. It simply wasn’t my day. Honestly, I’m not trying to put on a brave face – I don’t feel disappointed about my performance.
‘Three years back, I struggled to want to be alive, so today, I’m just grateful that I’m here, breathing, and surrounded by my supportive family.’
The emotional Team GB star received a heartfelt embrace from her coach after her performance.
Spendolini-Sirieix sends a kiss to her supporters in the stands at the Aquatics centre.
Spendolini-Sirieix fell short of a medal in the women’s 10m platform final.
The 19-year-old, daughter of First Dates host Fred, started off strong in her performance.
The British diver faced challenges and slipped in the rankings during the five rounds on Tuesday afternoon.
She continued: ‘My mum said, “Just keep smiling – we love you. We’re here for you.” That’s all I can ask for in the end. ‘I just want to go and see them.’
After already securing bronze in the women’s synchronized 10m diving event at the Paris Olympics, Spendolini-Sirieix narrowly missed out on her second medal on Tuesday.
Her performance began promisingly with a score of 76.80 on her opening dive, positioning her fourth in the rankings.
However, in the following three dives, she fell in the rankings and was out of medal contention.
She scored 62.40, 64.50, and 60.20 in the second, third, and fourth rounds before finishing with her best dive of 81.60, resulting in a total score of 345.50.
Spendolini-Sirieix captured the nation’s heart with her spectacular bronze win last week, leaving her proud father beaming in a post-event interview.
Alongside Lois Toulson, 24, she executed a stunning last dive that catapulted them to the podium after initially falling behind following a disappointing third dive.
They seemed out of the running for a medal but made a strong comeback to secure bronze, and Sirieix was overjoyed to share the moment live on BBC after they embraced warmly.
This emotional moment came just six days after Fred shed tears of pride and joy when Andrea won bronze.
Spendolini-Sirieix, 19, and Lois Toulson, 24, celebrating their bronze win earlier in the Games.
“What a competition! It’s always a rollercoaster with you girls,” Sirieix exclaimed, eliciting a laugh from the GB duo.
“You took me on quite a ride. But that final dive? Spectacular. You knew how crucial it was and absolutely nailed it. Amazing.”
“I’m in awe of your achievement. This journey is incredible; you’ve earned a medal and truly showcased your talent. I’m so impressed and deeply proud; I could burst.”
