‘I give glory to God’ declares GB Olympian after winning bronze

A teenage Olympian has given glory to God after winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10m synchronised diving final in Paris.

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix regularly posts Bible verses on social media and was quick to give God praise in front of the cameras.

When interviewed after taking third place alongside diving partner Lois Toulson, the 19-year-old said: “It’s been a crazy two years. I give glory to God.”

The highs

Later, she shared a picture of the pair on Instagram with their medals alongside the text of Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

She continued: “God was with us from round 1 to round 5. He is with us wherever we go. He never lets us down.”

To God be the glory forever and ever

The diver added: “This is more than just sport. I am proud to represent my country, my family and glorify the name of Jesus.”

She concluded by thanking those who supported her, saying: “my heart is truly overflowing with love. To God be the glory forever and ever, amen”.

 

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Identity in Christ

Spendolini-Sirieix also competed in the women’s 10-metre platform final, finishing sixth, but despite her disappointment, she said that “missing out on one medal doesn’t change who I am” and that “it was just God’s way of saying we’ve still got a lot more to do and I just give God all the glory”.

Speaking before the Games, she said: “I feel like sometimes as athletes our identity depends on whether our competition has been good whereas for me my identity in Christ is so total and so set in stone that it doesn’t matter how my competition goes. Whatever happens, happens. I just give it to God.

“It would mean a lot to win an Olympic medal, of course, but it wouldn’t change who I am. It wouldn’t change what my core beliefs are.”

She also shared Matthew 5:14, which says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”