Diving Deep

Olympic diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix made a bold decision that sent ripples through the sports world. The 20-year-old British athlete officially withdrew from the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore to prioritize her mental health. 

In a sport where control, composure, and perfection are crucial, Spendolini-Sirieix’s decision reminds us that mental health matters just as much as physical performance—if not more. 

Spendolini-Sirieix has been one of diving’s rising stars, representing Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics. She has gained international attention with her poise, skill, and maturity. Now, she is reminding us that what happens behind the scenes is just as important as the medals granted on the podium. 

Strength in Stillness

When the news broke that Spendolini-Sirieix was stepping back from the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, the reaction wasn’t disappointment, it was support. Spendolini-Sirieix joins a growing wave of athletes, including Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, Michael Phelps, and others, who have all stepped away from competition not due to injury, but to care for their minds.

Spendolini-Sirieix's decision is no different. Prioritizing mental well being isn’t weakness, but wisdom. It’s strength. Because if your mind isn’t in it, your body won’t be either. 

Her choice highlights a deeper truth that performance cannot thrive without mental peace. By recognizing her limits, Spendolini-Sirieix is taking control of her narrative and setting a powerful example for athletes to follow. 

“Taking a step back doesn’t mean giving up - it means choosing yourself.”

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix

The Bigger Picture

“I’ve had a tough battle with mental blocks in diving this season … I decided it would be best, for my mental health and for the love I have for the sport, to take a break from the pool,” Spendolini-Sirieix shared in a recent statement. 

This mindset shift shows maturity beyond her years and reflects the growing recognition in sport that mental wellness and athletic excellence go hand in hand. 

Her withdrawal from competition also speaks to a broader movement of athlete empowerment, one that prioritizes sustainability, self-care, and honesty over external expectations. 

We’ve Seen This Before—And That’s a Good Thing 

Spendolini-Sirieix’s decision echoes the moment when Simone Biles withdrew from several events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. At the time, Biles faced immense pressure, but her courageous choice changed the conversation around mental health in sport forever. 

Like Biles, Andrea is showing that steeping back doesn’t mean giving up—it means knowing your worth beyond your performance. And if we’ve learned anything from these powerful athletes, it’s that when they return, they come back stronger. 

What’s Next? 

As far as VIS goes, we’ll be cheering Spendolini-Sirieix on every step of the way. Her courage to speak up will inspire countless athletes to do the same. 

And when she does return to the diving board, it won’t be just about how to perform. It will be about how she stood tall, even while sitting out.