Viewers of the 2024 Paris Olympics were moved to tears after an athlete shared a poignant note her father wrote before he passed away. Prepare yourself for some emotional moments…
Lola Anderson, aged 26, secured a major victory for Team GB in rowing at the Paris 2024 games.
Historically a strong event for Britain, Anderson contributed to the team’s gold medal win by narrowly defeating the Netherlands by just 0.15 seconds in the quadruple sculls.
Many current sports stars often have icons they admired during their formative years.
Anderson idolized Helen Glover and Heather Stanning, who became Olympic champions during the London 2012 games.
Years ago, Anderson wrote a note in her diary, expressing her ‘biggest dream’ of following in their footsteps.
Feeling embarrassed, Anderson tore the note out and discarded it.
Unbeknownst to her, her dad retrieved the note and saved it in a safety deposit box.
He returned it to her seven years later when he was gravely ill.
The note stated: “My name is Lola Anderson and I think it would be my biggest dream in life to go to the Olympics in rowing and if possible win a gold for GB.”
Anderson’s dad passed away from cancer two months after giving her the note.
After winning gold with teammates Georgina Brayshaw, Lauren Henry, and Hannah Scott, Anderson spoke emotionally about the note.
Speaking to the BBC, the Olympian said: “I threw that away because I didn’t believe. I mean I was 13 at the time, so why would you believe that?
“My dad saw it before I did. He saw the potential I had, but my potential wouldn’t have been unlocked without the girls that crossed the line with me today.
“I’m grateful for everyone who has got me here and I would be very proud if he was here.”
The BBC reporter then asked: “How long ago did you write, on a piece of paper, you wanted this moment to come?”
Anderson emotionally responded: “13 years ago. I’d forgotten about it, obviously, but a couple of years ago my dad reminded me about it.
“I know that he’d be so, so proud. I’m thinking a lot about him right now, and it’s really lovely.”
She added: “I always get a bit nervous taking it anywhere with me. What happens if a suitcase gets lost, or something like that?
“It’s a piece of paper but it’s the most valuable thing I have, maybe joint with this now. It’s safe in a tin with all my dad’s old medals.”