Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix has had a busy couple of weeks. She walked away from the Paris 2024 Olympics with a bronze medal in the 10m synchronized diving event and a sixth-place finish in the individual event, finishing her competition with her highest-scoring dive of the Games at 81.6. Outside of diving, she spoke openly about her mental health journey during a powerful interview with the BBC and took the opportunity to take part in the Walk Of Champions – a stage in front of the Eiffel Tower where athletes could parade with their medals in front of spectators.

But behind the scenes of all this excitement, the mundane moments of day-to-day life don’t come to a halt. Eating right, sleeping well and managing stress become even more important when competing on the world’s biggest stage, as are managing the symptoms of the menstrual cycle. And as someone who previously won gold at the Commonwealth Games on the heaviest day of her period, that’s a reality Spendolini-Sirieix knows all too well.  

“I’m very open with my diving and strength and conditioning coaches about when I’m on my period or when it’s approaching, so we adjust and plan my training around these changes and the symptoms I experience in the lead-up or on my heaviest day, for example,” she tells Strong Women. “We don’t think about it every day, but as an athlete, it is something you need to have in mind: it won’t stop me from training, but it can affect it.”

While Spendolini-Sirieix didn’t have to dive on her period at the Olympics – she got her period just before she moved into the Olympic Village – the lessons she’s learned over the years about dealing with this stage of the menstrual cycle means it wasn’t a possibility she feared.

“When I’m on my period, I’m at my strongest,” she explains. “On the week of my period, I can jump higher and lift the most – even if I don’t feel the greatest. So even though I might have some discomfort, my coaches always remind me of that fact, which really helps. And when I’m on my period I make sure I have everything I need with me to feel comfortable, like ibuprofen, chocolate and even a hot water bottle. Rest and giving my body what it needs is also key.” 

The value of knowing your period and the symptoms it brings – and finding ways to work with that discomfort where possible – is one of the key messages behind Spendolini-Sirieix’s new campaign, My First Period. The campaign, produced in partnership with Superdrug, aims to help young women feel more informed and capable of taking on the challenges that menstruation can bring, and make them feel empowered to speak openly about their experiences.

While severe period pain and gynaecological conditions like endometriosis can make managing period-related symptoms impossible, Spendolini-Sirieix is keen to help those who experience regular discomfort rethink the way they approach periods and the menstrual cycle.

“Periods can be uncomfortable, but they shouldn’t stop you from doing something you love,” she says. “The key is learning what works for you and knowing that you can handle a bit of discomfort – even though you might feel a bit rubbish and bloated in the moment. Doing something when you’re a little uncomfortable is what brings you strength in the long run.” 

Of course, everyone needs rest too – and that’s exactly what Spendolini-Sirieix will be doing now the Olympics are over. The end of the Olympics were overwhelming for her, but she says she’s “feeling much better” now she’s back at home, and looking forward to a holiday to Italy to visit her grandma. Physically, her body feels rested – she’s seen a physio and received the all-clear after the demands of competition – but mental rest is the next thing on her to-do list.

“I need that mental, psychological and emotional rest after how overwhelming the Games were,” she explains. “The whole experience was incredible, especially winning the bronze medal, but I’m excited to not think about diving for a little bit. I’ll be going back to training in mid-October, and we’ll start planning for the next four-year Olympic cycle, but right now, I need a detox. The only time I want to think about a pool is when I’m sunbathing next to it!” 

Image: Getty