Andrea Sirieix, daughter of renowned British TV personality and maître d’ Fred Sirieix, has withdrawn from the upcoming World Athletics Championships citing persistent “mental blocks” that have hindered her preparation and performance confidence. The development has sparked conversations on mental health support for elite athletes facing intense competitive and public pressures.
Who Is Andrea Sirieix?
Andrea, a rising star in British athletics, represented Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, finishing in the top eight in her event, earning acclaim as a future medal prospect. She specialises in the triple jump, holding a personal best of 14.33m, and is a multiple-time British national champion.
Announcement Of Withdrawal
Andrea announced her decision through a heartfelt social media post late Tuesday:
“It is with a heavy heart that I am withdrawing from the upcoming World Championships. I have been facing persistent mental blocks during my jump phases which I have been unable to overcome despite months of training and therapy. It is the hardest decision of my career but I need to prioritise my wellbeing and rebuild.”
She added:
“I want to thank my coaches, family, and teammates for their constant support. I will come back stronger.”
Father Fred Sirieix Expresses Support
Fred Sirieix, known for his role in ‘First Dates’ and BBC’s ‘Remarkable Places to Eat’, reposted her statement with a message of unwavering support:
“My champion, my hero, my Andrea. Your courage to step back shows your strength. We love you and are proud of you always.”
Understanding Her Mental Blocks
In interviews over the past season, Andrea had revealed struggles with her hop-step-jump rhythm during practice and competitions, leading to fouls or subpar distances. Experts suggest:
- Such mental blocks are common in technical events like triple jump and pole vault.
- They often stem from subconscious fear of injury or loss of trust in technique.
- Therapy, visualisation, and biomechanics retraining are part of athlete rehabilitation for these issues.
Reactions From British Athletics
UK Athletics Performance Director Sara Symington
“We stand by Andrea’s decision. Mental wellbeing is equally important as physical fitness. She remains an integral part of our long-term plans.”
Fellow Olympian Dina Asher-Smith
“Sending love to Andrea. Prioritising mental health is powerful and inspiring.”
Athlete Mental Health In Spotlight
Andrea’s withdrawal adds to a growing list of elite athletes stepping back to focus on mental health:
| Athlete | Event | Reason For Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Simone Biles | Tokyo Olympics gymnastics finals | Mental health blocks (“twisties”) |
| Naomi Osaka | French Open 2021 | Depression and anxiety |
| Ben Stokes | Cricket 2021 | Mental health break |
Experts highlight the need for:
- Specialised sports psychologists for technical block rehabilitation.
- Integrated mental health support systems within national federations.
- Public discourse to destigmatise mental struggles among athletes.
What’s Next For Andrea?
Sources close to Andrea’s coaching team suggest:
- She will continue light training while undergoing sports psychology therapy.
- A decision on competing in the European Indoor Championships next spring will be taken later this year based on her progress.
- Long-term, she remains focused on qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Fred Sirieix’s Previous Comments On Andrea’s Journey
In past interviews, Fred had spoken about Andrea’s sacrifices:
“She has dedicated her life to athletics. I see her leave for training at dawn, come home exhausted, eat, sleep, and repeat. Her discipline is incredible.”
Public And Fan Reactions
British athletics fans flooded her Instagram with messages like:
- “Proud of you for putting your mental health first.”
- “We will wait to see you jump again when you are ready.”
- “Your honesty will help so many young athletes.”
Final Takeaway
Andrea Sirieix’s decision to withdraw underscores the invisible battles athletes face behind their public performances. As sporting bodies strengthen support frameworks, her courage to prioritise mental wellbeing over medals sends a powerful message about athlete health, resilience, and the importance of viewing success beyond podium finishes.
Disclaimer: Quotes sourced from Andrea Sirieix’s social media, British Athletics press releases, and Fred Sirieix’s public statements dated July 4, 2025.
