First Dates’ Fred Sirieix is ever the proud dad as he watches his champion diver daughter Andrea, 17, bag SECOND Commonwealth medal as she takes home silver for synchronised diving
- Fred Sirieix’s champion diver daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix secured her second medal of the Commonwealth Games on Saturday as she got silver in the 10m synchro platform competition
- It comes just days after she won gold in the 10m Platform diving competition
- And the First Dates star, 50, has been every inch the proud father as he has been watching on
- The teenager took home the silver medal alongside Eden Cheng, as the pair closely trailed Australia’s Charli Petrov and Melissa Wu
Fred Sirieix’s champion diver daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix bagged another medal on Saturday as she took home silver in the 10m synchro platform competition while competing in her first ever Commonwealth Games.
It comes after the 17-year-old incredibly earned the gold medal during Thursday’s 10m Platform diving competition.
And ever the proud father, First Dates star Fred, 50, was there to show his support as she won silver on Saturday – snapping pictures of his daughter from the sidelines at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.
Doting dad: First Dates’ Fred Sirieix, 50, was ever the proud dad as he watched his champion diver daughter Andrea, 17, bag a SECOND Commonwealth medal… this time winning the silver medal
Andrea and her partner alongside Eden Cheng nabbed 76.80 on their final dive with a back two and a half somersaults one and a half twists pike, with their final score coming to 298.86.
It was a score just trailing Australia’s gold medal winners Charli Petrov and Melissa Wu, who took the top spot with 306, while England’s Robyn Birch and Emily Martin took bronze for England with a score of 287.88.
Celebrating their silver medal, diving duo Andrea and Eden threw their hands in the air with glee before sharing a hug.
Happy result: Andrea and Eden Cheng took home silver in the 10m synchro platform competition on day nine of the competition
Score boards: Andrea and Eden nabbed 76.80 on their final dive with a back two and a half somersaults one and a half twists pike, with their final score coming to 298.86
And there to document the competition was Fred, who also shared regular updates to social media as he dubbed his daughter’s diving as ‘poetry to watch’.
The maître d’hôtel wrote #GoAndrea as he shared snaps ahead of the competition, before quoting a tweet which dubbed the diving ‘poetry to watch’ – as the TV star wrote: ‘Perfectly put “poetry to watch”. My Sentiments exactly.’
Holding his phone out to video the performance from Andrea and Eden, Fred donned a red baseball cap and khaki jacket as he proudly awaited the result.
Doting dad: Fred was there to show his support on Saturday – snapping pictures of his daughter from the sidelines at Sandwell Aquatics Centre
Cheery: Appearing in high spirits, he was snapped laughing with onlookers and taking videos from the sidelines during the games, which will come to a close on Monday
Family affair: Fred took his son Lucien to the games as he showed his support for older sister Andrea
Low-key: He donned a khaki jacket and blue T-shirt while standing on the sidelines of the games
Appearing in high spirits, he was snapped laughing with onlookers from the sidelines during the games, as his son Lucien joined to watch.
And after the result, Fred congratulated the duo on their silver win as he posted a video of the dive to his 815k followers on Instagram.
The First Dates star also posed for a snap with his daughter prior to the competition, wrapping an arm around the sports star as she prepared for day nine of the competition.
It comes after Andrea firmly secured her first place victory in the 10m platform diving on Thursday, taking home the gold medal – marking her first Commonwealth medal.
She won with a staggering 357.50 points and was seen wiping tears from her eyes as she hugged her coach after being crowned Commonwealth champion.
All smiles: The First Dates star also posed for a snap with his daughter prior to the competition, wrapping an arm around the sports star as she prepared for day nine of the competition
Wow! Andrea and Eden’s scored just trailed Australia’s gold medal winners Charli Petrov and Melissa Wu, who took the top spot with 306
Competition: It took place on day nine of the games, with England’s Robyn Birch and Emily Martin taking bronze with a score of 287.88
Gorgeous: Fred dubbed his daughter’s diving as ‘poetry to watch’
Celebration: Andrea and Eden were in extremely high spirits following the result
Did it! The pair couldn’t contain their excitement as they opened their mouths wide with glee
Almost done: The games will come to a close on Monday, marking Andrea’s first ones
Winners: Bronze medallists England’s Robyn Birch and Emily Martin also appeared in high spirits with their prize
Awarded: Covering up with sporting outfits rather than their swimming costumes, the pair accepted their awards
Left to right) England’s Andrea Spendolini Sirieix, Eden Chung, Australia’s Charli Petrov, Melissa Wu, Emily Martin and Robyn Birch
Cute! Fred took to Instagram to shared updates and gush over his daughter’s performance
Going for gold: It comes after Andrea firmly secured her first place victory on Thursday with a staggering 357.50 points and was seen wiping tears from her eyes as she hugged her coach after being crowned Commonwealth champion
She was followed closely behind by her teammate Lois Mae Toulson in second with 337.30 points – as England took home two out of three of the podium medals – while Canadian Caeli Sierra McKay won the bronze medal.
Her proud father Fred took to Instagram later in the evening to share a video of her final dive as he penned a congratulatory message for his daughter – who he affectionately calls ‘mon caneton’, meaning ‘my duckling’.
In the video, as Andrea emerged from the pool following her final dive and her scores were revealed, Fred could be heard cheering as his daughter was confirmed to be the gold medallist.
In a gushing caption alongside the clip, Fred penned: ‘Gold! #commonwealthgames2022 #diving #10m #platform Well done mon [duck emoji] @andreassirieix04.’
He also posted another video to his Instagram Stories, showing the moment she was awarded her gold medal, with Fred cheering loudly as he celebrated his daughter’s achievement.
Gushing: Her proud father Fred took to Instagram later in the evening to share a video of her final dive as he penned a congratulatory message for his daughter – who he affectionately calls ‘mon caneton’, meaning ‘my duckling’
Overjoyed: First Dates star Fred, 50, was every inch the proud father as he jumped for joy in the stands while his 17-year-old daughter won the Women’s Diving 10m Platform at Sandwell Aquatics Centre on Thursday night
Amazing: In the nail-biting final on Thursday, Andrea competed alongside another 11 contestants, after coming out in first place against 14 divers in the preliminary rounds
Success: Andrea immediately cheered after jumping out the water following her final dive and seeing her scores, realising she had become the Women’s 10m Platform gold medallist
Podium: Andrea was followed closely behind by her teammate Lois Mae Toulson (left) in second with 337.30 points – as England took home two out of three of the podium medals – while Canadian Caeli Sierra McKay won the bronze medal
Celebrating: Fred also re-shared a number of congratulatory messages for Andrea on his Instagram, as well as a snap of her wearing her gold medal as she posed with her coach
Tearful: Andrea firmly secured her first place victory with 357.50 points and looked extremely emotional as she waved to the crowds
Cheering: Andrea was seen celebrating after winning gold in the Women’s 10m Platform Diving Final on Day 7 of the XXII Commonwealth Games at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre
The TV personality also re-shared a number of congratulatory messages for Andrea, as well as a snap of her wearing her gold medal as she posed with her coach.
He later took to Twitter to gush over his daughter’s incredible final dive, writing: ‘That last dive! To pull it off like that! Wow!!!! What a performance!’
Fred also thanked his fans for their support, writing: ‘Thank you so much for all the messages congratulating Andrea. It’s really nice. Really warming. Thanks. I just want to apologise as I can’t respond to all. It’s very kind x’
As Andrea was handed her gold medal during the awards ceremony, she eagerly waved to the audience and flashed a huge smile as the crowd erupted into deafening cheers.
She was handed a cuddly toy, which she proudly raised into the air like a trophy while wearing her gold medal around her neck, as she celebrated her well-deserved victory.
Emotional: The 17-year-old was seen looking visibly emotional after winning the gold medal in her first ever Commonwealth Games
Never forgetting: Fred couldn’t keep a smile off his face as he celebrated the milestone achievement alongside his teenage daughter
Pals: Silver medallist Lois Mae Toulson was seen kissing Andrea on the head as she congratulated her friend and teammate
Memories: Fred was seen filming his daughter as he documented her incredible victory at the Commonwealth Games
Gold medal: Andrea was seen looking very emotional as she celebrated her well-deserved victory
Well done: Andrea was joined by silver medallist and teammate Lois and Canadian bronze medallist Caeli Sierra McKay as they posed with their medals
Victory: The England team took two of the podium places in the Women’s 10m Platform Diving final as Andrea came in first and Lois took home the silver
In the nail-biting final on Thursday, Andrea competed alongside another 11 contestants, after coming out in first place against 14 divers in the preliminary rounds.
Andrea was the last diver to take to the platform, and was described by commentators as ‘strong on the take off’ in her first dive as she received scores of 6.5s and 7s from the judges, giving her a ranking of 61.50 after round one.
After the first round, Andrea ranked in 8th place after a forward three-and-a-half somersaults in pike dive, with her teammate Lois Toulson coming in first place, and fellow England diver Eden Cheng ranking in 3rd place.
But in the second set of dives, the 17-year-old catapulted back into the running as the crowd erupted into cheers as she secured herself another 78.40 points.
Despite ranking in eighth position, she amazingly flew back into the lead with 139.90 points after her inward three-and-a-half somersaults in tuck dive.
Medalists: As she was handed her gold medal during the awards ceremony, Andrea eagerly waved to the audience and flashed a huge smile as the crowd erupted into deafening cheers
Fist pump: Fred was keen to celebrate after Andrea won the gold medal during her first Commonwealth Games
Impressed: The final, which took place on Thursday starting at 7.30pm, saw the 12 finalists perform another five dives. Pictured: Fred cheering on his daughter Andrea
Pride: Andrea posing for snaps with her fellow teammate Lois Mae Toulson – who followed her and won the silver medal in the Women’s 10m Platform diving final
Big day: Andrea was seen posing with England’s Jack Laugher, who won the Men’s gold medal in the 1m springboard on Thursday – defending his title
Tense: Fred looked extremely serious during the nail-biting final as he was left on the edge of his seat before Andrea’s victory
All smiles: Andrea was over the moon as she was presented with her gold medal during the awards ceremony
Achievement: In the awards ceremony, Andrea was handed a cuddly toy, which she proudly raised into the air like a trophy while wearing her gold medal around her neck, as she celebrated her well-deserved victory
Over the moon: Andrea posed for pictures with her silver medallist teammate Lois and bronze medallist Caeli Sierra McKay of Canada
Wow: In the nail-biting final on Thursday, Andrea competed alongside another 11 contestants, after coming out in first place against 14 divers in the preliminary rounds
On her third dive, Andrea nailed an incredible armstand back double somersault with one-and-a-half twist dive, earning her another 72.2 points, keeping her lead by almost 20 points with a total of 215.10.
She easily secured her lead ahead of her fellow divers, followed by Canadian Caeli Sierra McKay in second with 195.70 and her teammate Lois in third with 191.70.
After the penultimate set, Andrea performed a reverse two-and-a-half somersaults in tuck which secured her a score of 56, keeping her in the first place position with 271.10 points – giving her a 15.40 advantage over second place diver Lois.
Cheering: Andrea was seen whistling as she marked her fantastic achievement during the Commonwealth Games
Tense: In the final, Andrea was the last diver to take to the platform, and was described by commentators as ‘strong on the take off’ in her first dive, giving her a ranking of 61.50
Comeback: Wow! Despite ranking in eighth position, she amazingly flew back into the lead in the second round with 139.90 points – and amazingly kept her lead until her final dive
Lead: On her third dive, Andrea once again nailed her dive and earned herself another 72.2 points, keeping her lead by almost 20 points with a total of 215.10
During the tense final set, Andrea performed the same dive as in her last round, and put on another incredible display with the crowd going absolutely wild as she secured another 86.40 points.
Andrea was left with a staggering 357.50 points and ran over to hug her coach, where she was seen wiping tears from her eyes, as the 17-year-old was crowned Commonwealth champion.
Ahead of her first ever Commonwealth Games final, Andrea said: ‘I’m definitely really excited. I’m trying to replicate it and have as much fun and enjoy the atmosphere as much as possible.’
It is another milestone added to the teenager’s blossoming career after she competed with Team GB at the summer Olympics in Toyko last year.
Skills: After the penultimate set, Andrea secured a score of 56, keeping her in the first place position with 271.10 points – giving her a 15.40 advantage over second place diver Lois
‘I’m excited’: Ahead of her first ever Commonwealth Games final, Andrea said: ‘I’m trying to replicate it and have as much fun and enjoy the atmosphere as much as possible’
Overjoyed: Fred clapped his daughter as she put on an incredible display during the nail-biting final
Talent: Andrea proved her incredible diving talent during the nail-biting final, which saw her rise from eighth place to take home the gold
Andrea’s Commonwealth Games victory came after she was the favourite after winning the preliminary round, with her father Fred sharing his support as he cheered her on from the crowd.
He took to Twitter to share a snap of the pool and diving boards ahead of his 17-year-old girl’s performance in the Women’s Diving 10m Platform Preliminary round.
As he sat in the audience at Birmingham’s Sandwell Aquatics Centre, Fred tweeted: ‘This is it! Let’s #goAndrea’, with Andrea going on to win the preliminary round, topping the leaderboard with an impressive 360.60 points.
Speaking to Swim Swam, Andrea said of her first Commonwealth Games: ‘I am so honoured to be a part of a team of such incredible athletes.
‘I’ve never had an international competition on home soil, so I am super excited to have my parents and brother come to Birmingham to support me.
‘I remember watching the Gold Coast and thinking ‘I really want to be a part of that team one day’ – and I am so happy to have the opportunity to compete and make my family and friends proud.’
Filming: Fred was seen documenting the landmark moment as Andrea took part in the 10m Platform Final at her first Commonwealth Games
What a star! It came after Andrea WON the preliminary round and topped the leaderboard with an impressive 360.60 points
Proud: Fred Sirieix was every inch the proud dad on Thursday as he excitedly watched champion diver daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix compete in her first Commonwealth Games.
That’s my girl: The First Dates star, 50, also took to Twitter to share a snap of the pool and diving boards ahead of his 17-year-old girl’s performance in the preliminary round
Competitive: Andrea competed in her first Commonwealth Games, having competed with Team GB at the summer Olympics in Toyko last year
The maître d’hôtel – who shares Andrea with ex Alessandra Spendolini – has often shared his pride at his daughter’s sporting achievements, and in December, told how he sought advice from her in a bid to help him succeed in the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing.
Fred told the Mirror: ‘When I started rehearsals I was joking that this was like I was representing France at the Olympics. I have been showing Andrea the dances since the first day of the rehearsals and she said to me, ‘Dad, you just have to focus’, which was her main advice.
‘She has been very supportive, she has seen my improvements and has been very encouraging.’
Spectator: Fred was in the audience snapping photos of the event
Excited: The TV personality put on an animated display as he watched his daughter come out on top in the preliminary round
Look at her go! Andrea’s Commonwealth bid has got off to a flying start
Competition: The teen won the Preliminary rounds, which sees 14 competitors complete five dives each, with 12 divers advancing to the final
Andrea finished in seventh place in the women’s 10m platform diving final at the 2020 Tokyo Games, which were held in 2021 after they were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And while Fred was unable to travel to Japan to watch his daughter compete, he said he was impressed by the attitude that helped her achieve in her sport as he watched her on the television at home, remembering her ‘positive mental attitude’ for Strictly.
He said: ‘When I was getting ready for Strictly I was thinking about her and her confidence, because she’s been there and she’s done it, and now I have to do it and perform something very hard for a big audience.’
Andrea broke down in tears as she spoke to her First Dates star father Fred on Zoom after finishing in seventh place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Women’s 10m platform diving final.
Honour: Speaking to Swim Swam, Andrea said of her first Commonwealth Games: ‘I am so honoured to be a part of a team of such incredible athletes’
Andrea reunited with Fred, mother Alessandra Spendolini, and other members of her loved ones via video call, following the monumental final at her first ever Olympic games.
The emotional young diver spoke of her pride and emotion at speaking with her family members – who said they were ‘so proud of her’ – and who are unable to attend the games amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a sweet video, Andrea was seen wiping her eyes while her mum spoke to her, as she repeatedly said thank you while she was congratulated following her epic turn on the board.
Advice: The maître d’hôtel has often shared his pride at his daughter’s sporting achievements, and in December, told how he sought advice from her in a bid to help him succeed in the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing
She said: ‘I am so happy. I was speaking to my family because there is an Athlete Moment screen and I started crying. I am very, very proud of where I came.
‘I was extremely nervous before the prelims so I thought my nerves would get the better of me and I wouldn’t make it to the semi.
‘Then after the semi I got into the final and that was exactly what I wanted to do. That was my plan. I’ve definitely exceeded my expectations.
‘It definitely gives me confidence for Paris (2024). That is very close, so my whole family can come. Hopefully, hopefully COVID has gone because I want my family to come and watch. I am very, very excited.
‘My dad, my mum and my cousins and my aunties were on the Athlete Moment. They said that they were very proud and that I should be proud as well. They said they miss me and I miss them. It just went back and forth.’
Success story: Andrea broke down in tears as she spoke to her First Dates star father Fred on Zoom after finishing in seventh place at the Tokyo Olympics last summer
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