Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix reveals she was 'close to quitting' before medal success
- Published
European Aquatics Championships: GB's Spendolini-Sirieix wins 10m platform gold
Great Britain's Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix has opened up about coming through a tough start to the year in which she felt "terrified of diving" and came close to quitting.
The 17-year-old has had a hugely successful summer, winning three diving medals at the Commonwealth Games, including two golds.
On Wednesday, she added the European 10m platform title to her collection.
"I had quite a tough beginning of the year," she told 大象传媒 Radio 5 live.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read and before accepting. To view this content choose 鈥榓ccept and continue鈥.
"I couldn't do any of my dives. I was terrified of diving and I was really close to quitting because I was petrified of everything.
"But my team and my family just helped me get through it. I don't think I would be here if it wasn't for them."
Spendolini-Sirieix's father Fred, the star of Channel 4's First Dates, has been a recognisable presence at her successes this year, passionately cheering from the stands.
After her European Championship gold, 'Nail biting stuff once again! What a great last dive! My little 馃 has nerves of steel 鉂わ笍 Well done my love 馃憦馃徎馃憦馃徎馃憦馃徎 we are so proud of you. You are an inspiration and a ray of sunshine."