Watch: Diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix opens up on mental health struggles after loss¡ª'I didn't even want to be alive'

The Olympics is all about how years of dedication can come down to a matter of seconds.

In an instant, athletes can find themselves on the podium with a medal.

Yet, just as much as it is about winning, it is also about losing, and those moments of heartache offer profound lessons.

Team Great Britain diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, who placed sixth in the women's 10-meter platform final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, broke down in tears after her loss and spoke openly about her mental health.

Credit: AP | Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix

The 19-year-old Olympian was visibly emotional as she opened up about her past mental health struggles in an interview after the event.

"Obviously it wasn¡¯t the result that I wanted, but I'm not even upset at the competition. I mean, the girls dove amazing and did better than me and it's because they work really hard. And yeah, as you said, it wasn't meant to be," Spendolini-Sirieix said through her tears.

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix is clearly in distress & talking about her past mental health, "3 years ago I didnt even want to be alive", why does the interviewer not just let her go when she asks? & whos looking after her mental health!! @bbcsport #bbcolympics #teamgb #Olympics pic.twitter.com/hCZIPZE0Ly

¡ª WhatIfThereWereNoConspiricies? (@maybeinterestin) August 6, 2024

She continued, "I'm not even like, genuinely, I'm not trying to be macho or anything. I'm not upset with my performance. Three years ago, I didn't even want to be alive. So today, I'm just happy that I'm alive, I'm breathing and I¡¯ve got my family here to support me."

She recalled a touching moment with her mother just after the match: "My mom was like 'Just keep smiling, we are proud of you and we are here to see you.' And at the end of the day, that's all I can ask for and I just want to go and see them."

Her father, Fred Sirieix, a French chef and television personality, who was covering the event for BBC Sport, shared her interview on X and wrote, "My love."

Credit: X

On Monday, Andrea had won bronze in the synchronized 10m platform event with teammate Lois Toulson but finished sixth on Tuesday in the 10-meter platform final..

Her father reflected, "That is Andrea. And that is beautiful because it¡¯s about balance¡ªknowing who you are and making the most of life. And that¡¯s exactly what she¡¯s doing. I'm very proud of her."

After her interview went viral, Andrea was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. She took to Instagram to express her gratitude to everyone who reached out.

Credit: X | Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix

Fred, too, took to X to address the love.

Thank you so much for all the kind messages. It means so much and it is so appreciated. I will pass on the love and support to Andrea ??? Merci encore x

¡ª Fred Sirieix (@fredsirieix1) August 6, 2024

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