British-French diver Andrea Spendolini-Sireix recently won her first Olympic medal, and after her remarkable performance, she gave glory to God. Spendolini-Sirieix and her partner Lois Toulson brought home Great Britain’s third medal in diving at the Paris Olympics. The team also won third place in the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform.
“I’m so happy. I usually have so much to say; I don’t have anything to say today,” Spendolini-Sirieix said after her competition. “Having my family here, doing it alongside Lois, it’s been a crazy two years. I give glory to God,” she continued. The diver further added that diving has been a “love-hate relationship” for her. “I have struggled a lot with diving. It has been a love-hate relationship but right now I have nothing but love for it.”
She also shared her faith in an Instagram post, citing Joshua 1:9, which says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Her post continued, “God was with us from round 1 to round 5. He is with us wherever we go. He never lets us down. Today, we made history. First women’s 10m platform medal in over 100 years. First women’s 10m platform synchro medal for Team GB. And I got to do it beside @lois_toulson – what a moment it was for us. We were strong and courageous, and we did not back down. NEVER BACK DOWN NEVER WHAT!”
Spendolini-Sireix also thanked her supporter in Great Britain. “To everyone cheering and supporting back home – I cannot express the amount of love and joy I am filled with. This is more than just sport. I am proud to represent my country, my family and glorify the name of Jesus,” she said.
“It’s not over yet… we have the individual to go through,” she concluded. “I will take a few days to decompress and start training again for what will be an exciting few more days of competing. Again, thank you for all your messages and support. I truly don’t believe a thank you is enough – my heart is truly overflowing with love. To God be the glory forever and ever, amen.”
The medalist diver made it a point to thank her teammate and coaching staff who helped her achieve such a monumental victory in Paris. Additionally, she expressed the utmost gratitude toward her family who traveled to France to watch their daughter compete at the highest level of her discipline.
“Thank you Lois for helping me grow stronger, more patient and more resilient. God blessed me with you in 2022 and I am forever grateful for the moments we have shared together. Thank you @alex.doud and @adamsmallwood for going through this journey with us, for your energetic coaching and for your unconditional love and support. Thank you to my mum, dad, and Lois’ family for coming to Paris to cheer and be with us – my heart is full. Thank you to our support staff in Paris and back home – we wouldn’t be here without you,” she stated.
Featured image credit: Andrea Spendolini-Sireix / X