An Olympic athlete made a heart-wrenching confession after participating in the diving event.
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix had been competing in the final for the women’s 10m platform event.
The 19-year-old had previously secured a bronze medal in the 10m synchronised diving with her teammate, Lois Toulson.
Following her impressive performance in the synchronised diving, expectations were high for her to clinch a medal in the individual event as well.
However, Spendolini-Sirieix did not perform at her peak in the individual competition and ultimately finished sixth, shedding tears after her final dive.
Speaking to the BBC in an emotional interview following her final dive, she made a heartbreaking admission.
She began the interview by commending her competitors, stating: “Obviously it’s not the result I wanted but I’m not even upset with the competition.
“The other girls were amazing, they were better than me. It wasn’t meant to be. I’m genuinely not trying to be macho, I’m not upset with my performance.”
In a brave and candid moment, she revealed that she had been struggling with her mental health to the extent that she had not wanted to ‘be alive’.
She said: “Three years ago, I didn’t even want to be alive so today I’m just happy I’m alive, I’m breathing and I’ve got my family to support me.”
After the final, Spendolini-Sirieix ran to her mother in the stands.
Sharing what her mom told her, she said: “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.”
Despite the disappointing result, she expressed her gratitude for being present at the event.
She said: “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.”
Being just 19 years old, she has many years of diving at the Olympic level ahead of her.
Diving expert Karen Pickering praised her, saying on BBC 5Live: “She finished with a stunning dive. That was a lovely, lovely final dive there.
“A piece of class from Andrea. It has been difficult for her today, she hasn’t dived as well as she did in the semi-finals yesterday.
“We can see the tears are coming now. But to step up in the final dive and produce the best one that she has for the session shows her class.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.