Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix has said she didn’t even want to alive in the wake of the Tokyo Olympics after finishing outside the medals in the 10metre platform diving competition.
Spendolini-Sirieix had a poor second dive in Tuesday’s final and then was never really in contention in her quest for a second medal after bronze in the synchro competition eventually finishing in sixth place.
But the 19-year-old was tearful in the aftermath saying she felt lucky to be alive and competing in Paris.
She told the BBC: “Obviously it wasn’t the result that I wanted. 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.
“I’m not even upset with my performance. Three years ago, I didn’t even want to be alive, so today I’m just happy that I am alive, I’m breathing and I’ve got my family to support me.
“My mum told me to just keep smiling and she said she was proud of me and they were here to see me. At the end of the day, that’s all I can ask for,” she added.
"I’m 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. Just missing out on one medal doesn’t change who I am. It was just God’s way of saying there is more to do and I just give God all the glory.”
