FRED SIRIEIX shared a touching moment with daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix yesterday after the Team GB star narrowly missed out on a second medal.
Spendolini-Sirieix just missed out on a second podium finish of the Olympics after ending the Women’s 10m Platform event in sixth place.
Dad Fred has been in Paris cheering her on as well as being a part of the BBC‘s coverage of the 2024 games.
But just as he has been her biggest fan while she is on the board, he has also picked her up after the heartbreak of Tuesday’s medal miss.
The First Dates star comforted his daughter with a big hug and some reassuring words after her tears in the Aquatic Centre.
Speaking to Andrea, he said: “It’s sport, some days you win and some days you lose.”
Before reading out a message of support he had received, adding: “You know Kevin? He said to me: ‘let Andrea know the whole country is proud of her.
“‘My daughter now wants to try diving because of her, she is a superhero.'”
Sirieix added: “You did your best Andrea. It just wasn’t meant to be today.”
There was also an outpouring of love from fans online who had supported Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix throughout the games this summer.
One wrote: “Did the whole country proud!”
While another added: “Andrea was brilliant throughout and will be an inspiration to many.”
And a third commented: “You are utterly extraordinary and hugely HUGELY talented. You are an Olympian! You are one of the very best in the world.”
Spendolini-Sirieix was left heartbroken in the immediate aftermath of missing out on a medal, but ultimately reflected on her incredible journey to Paris this summer.
The 19-year-old secured a bronze medal last week in the Women’s Synchronised 10m Platform event alongside Lois Toulson.
Speaking to the BBC after her solo heartache she reflected on her battle to get to the top, saying: “Obviously it wasn’t the result that I wanted, but I’m not even upset with the competition.
“The girls dove amazing, they dove better than me today and It’s because they work really hard. As you said, it wasn’t meant to be.
“Genuinely, I’m not trying to be macho or anything, I am not upset with my performance.
“Three years ago I didn’t even want to be alive and so today I am just happy that I’m alive, I’m breathing and I’ve got my family here to support me.”
She added: “My mum was like ‘just keep smiling, we’re proud of you and we’re here to see you’.
“And at the end of the day that’s all I can ask for.”
Discussing her previous medal and her achievements in the Olympics already this summer, she added: “I am just so happy to be here, to be at the Olympic games.
“It’s been a really long year and it doesn’t take away from my accomplishments this year and just missing out on one medal doesn’t change who I am.”
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