July 28th 2024.
The picturesque city of Saint-Denis, France is currently buzzing with the excitement of the Paris Olympics. Among the talented athletes representing the United States is Maggie Steffens, the captain of the water polo team. However, Steffens is facing a heavy heart as she competes in the Games, just days after the tragic passing of her sister-in-law, Lulu Conner.
Lulu, who was only 26 years old, had traveled to Paris to support Steffens and the team in their quest for a fourth consecutive gold medal. However, on Tuesday, she passed away suddenly, leaving the family in shock and grief. Steffens tearfully shared with the Associated Press that the circumstances surrounding Lulu's death are still unclear, but it was a medical emergency.
Despite her heavy heart, Steffens managed to score two goals in the team's first match against Greece, playing for 21 and a half minutes. With a total of 58 goals, she holds the title of the highest scoring woman in Olympic history. When asked about her performance, Steffens shared that playing has helped her cope with the overwhelming emotions. She also expressed her determination to honor Lulu's memory by embodying her spirit and giving her all in every game.
Steffens and Bobby Conner, Lulu's brother, got married in November last year, and Lulu had been an integral part of their lives. She was a talented artist, a graduate of UC Davis, and one of three siblings. Steffens fondly remembered Lulu's enthusiasm for the Olympics and shared how she had made her own version of Flavor Flav's famous USA Water Polo clock to support the team.
During the opening ceremony on Friday, Steffens paid tribute to Lulu by dropping a bouquet of flowers into the Seine River. She acknowledged that the next few weeks will be difficult for her, her husband, and their families, but she finds solace in the love and support of her team.
This is not the first time the water polo team has faced such a tragic loss during the Olympics. In 2016, coach Adam Krikorian lost his brother, Blake, just before the Games in Rio de Janeiro. He went back home to be with his family and returned in time for the team's first game. Krikorian shared that the news of Lulu's passing brought back all the emotions from 2016, and he understands how difficult it must be for Steffens.
As the team continues to compete in the Paris Olympics, Krikorian emphasized the importance of showing Steffens love and support and giving her the space to spend time with her family. He believes that this is a difficult time for all of them, and their priority is to honor Lulu's memory and make her proud every single day.
The loss of Lulu Conner has cast a shadow over the U.S. water polo team at the Paris Olympics, but they are determined to carry on and make her proud. The team has come together to support their captain, Maggie Steffens, during this difficult time, and they will continue to play with passion and dedication in honor of Lulu's memory.
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