Sometimes, even elite athletes need to take a step back—and that’s exactly what British diving star Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix has chosen to do.
The 20-year-old, known not just for her Olympic bronze but for her vulnerability and strength in speaking about mental health, has made the tough call to pull out of the upcoming World Championships in Singapore.
Pressing Pause to Prioritize Mental Wellbeing
Andrea shared the news on social media, revealing that she’s been wrestling with serious “mental blocks” in her diving performances this season.
While she tried to power through, she eventually came to a decision that her long-term wellbeing must come first.
“I’ve had a tough battle with mental blocks in diving this season,” she wrote.
“I’ve tried to fight through them, but I’ve decided it would be best for me to take a break from the pool.”
She credited her family, her coach, and the team at Aquatics GB for their support, and although the idea of rest is unfamiliar territory for many athletes, Andrea acknowledged how crucial this break is.
Letting the Team Shine While She Recovers
While she’s disappointed not to be competing alongside her teammates and international diving peers in Singapore, Andrea expressed her excitement to watch them thrive from afar.
“I know they’ll do amazingly, and I can’t wait to see them shine,” she added.
A History of Honesty About Mental Health
This isn’t the first time Andrea has spoken openly about mental health.
After making her Olympic debut in Tokyo—where she finished sixth—she tearfully told the BBC how far she’d come:
“Three years ago, I didn’t even want to be alive.
So today I’m just happy that I’m breathing and that I’ve got my family to support me.”
Her father, Fred Sirieix, the well-known presenter of Channel 4’s First Dates, was there in Tokyo, beaming with pride.
That emotional chapter led to an incredible comeback in Paris, where Andrea secured a bronze medal in the synchronized 10m platform with Lois Toulson.
From Emotional Lows to Olympic Podiums
Although she narrowly missed out on a second medal in the individual 10m platform event in Paris, finishing sixth with a score of 345.50, Andrea’s reflection after the Games painted a picture of strength and gratitude.
“Alive. Breath in my lungs. My heart is overflowing,” she wrote on Instagram.
She talked about her deep faith, her growing hunger to return stronger, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones who had supported her through the darkest moments.
Thanking Her Inner Circle
In that same heartfelt post, she thanked her mother, father, brother, and even her coach Alex Doud, calling him “an angel” sent by God who had helped heal her after the emotional toll of Tokyo.
“You are more than just a coach,” she told him. “God sent you as my angel.”
Fred Sirieix Shares His Fatherly Pride
Fred Sirieix never shied away from showing how proud he is of his daughter.
After her final performance in Paris, he shared a deeply personal tribute:
“You and your brother are the best thing I have ever done and will ever do. #lavieestbelle”
Speaking to the BBC, he described Andrea’s unwavering positivity:
“She didn’t make the podium today, but tomorrow she’ll be back to being happy, smiley Andrea.”
Reflecting on the Bigger Picture
Following her dives in Paris, Andrea opened up once again about what matters most:
“After Tokyo, it was a really scary time for me.
That’s why I treasure every morning… because my eyes have woken up and I’ve got breath in my lungs.”
She said having her family by her side meant everything—especially since they had seen her through her lowest points.
One Step Back, Many Leaps Forward
While she won’t be in Singapore this time, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix’s decision to step away speaks volumes about her strength.
It’s a reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical training in the world of elite sport.
She’s not just a champion on the platform—she’s a role model in life too.
