July 14th 2024.
Recently, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix attended the Team GB kit launch for the upcoming Paris Olympics. As an athlete, the thought of competing in such a prestigious event is certainly exhilarating, but it no longer holds any fear for her. She explains that her new mindset and mentality have helped her overcome the daunting prospect that the Games once seemed to be.
For a long time, the Olympics felt like a distant dream, with numerous obstacles and challenges to overcome before even reaching the event itself. It almost didn't feel like a tangible reality. However, now that the Games are just around the corner, Andrea's stress and anxiety have lessened. The national championships in December were a huge relief for her, and she has also learned to handle the pressure on her own, with the help of her coach.
Andrea admits that she didn't want to get too ahead of herself and focus solely on the Olympics, as she didn't want to miss out on the smaller yet equally important competitions leading up to the Games. This approach has helped her stay grounded and centered. She acknowledges that the Olympics have always been her ultimate goal, but she had to navigate through national championships, world championships, and World Cup legs first. This busy schedule, coupled with extensive travel, can be challenging for any professional athlete, but Andrea has learned to embrace and thrive on it. She considers herself fortunate to have the opportunity to visit incredible countries, experience different cultures, and indulge in delicious food.
Now, with Paris as the end goal, Andrea is back on the ten-meter board, feeling supported by her team and the National Lottery. She emphasizes the crucial role that the Lottery plays in supporting athletes, providing them with the best staff and resources. Her strength and conditioning coach has been instrumental in helping her build strength and power, which is vital for her performance at the Games.
Andrea confides that she talks to her teammates about the Olympics, but ultimately, her personal experience and journey are what matters most to her. This Olympic cycle has been different, with the 2020 Games being postponed due to the pandemic. She's unsure if the extra year has been beneficial or not, but she is grateful to have made progress since her Olympic debut in Tokyo. She's determined to make the most of this opportunity and put the experience of her first Games behind her.
This time around, Andrea has no expectations for herself. Instead, she wants to enjoy the experience. At the age of 16, she made her Olympic debut, but it wasn't a pleasant one. Struggling with mental health issues, she didn't have the opportunity to fully immerse herself in the event and enjoy it. However, this time, her focus is solely on diving, with no distractions like schoolwork. She has fallen in love with the sport all over again, and she believes that when you love what you do, you train and perform better.
Next stop for Andrea and Team GB is Paris. She reflects on how much she has changed since her last Olympic experience. Back then, she was in a dark place, battling with her mental health. But now, she is a completely different person, for the better. She's grateful for the support she's received, and she feels like a whole human being going into these Games.
Andrea acknowledges the role that National Lottery players play in making these opportunities possible for athletes like her. With over £30 million raised every week for good causes, including funding for sports at all levels, the impact is immeasurable. She encourages everyone to learn more about how their contributions make a difference at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk. She also shares her excitement and determination to tell the real stories behind the extraordinary athletes representing their countries at the Olympics.
As for her personal goals, Andrea reveals that she's looking forward to retiring from diving, but not before achieving her ultimate goal of winning Olympic gold and beating the Chinese team in Paris. Regardless of the outcome, she knows that she has given her all in training and preparation for these Games, and she's in a much better place mentally and emotionally. She's excited for what's to come and is ready to embrace the experience with open arms.
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