SAINT-DENIS, France (AP)
- Maggie Steffens, the U.S. water polo captain, faces the challenge of competing in the Paris Olympics just days after the death of her sister-in-law.
- The emotional weight of this loss adds to the pressure of representing her country at such a significant event.
- Despite the tragedy, Steffens is determined to perform at her best for her team and in honor of her family.
— U.S. water polo captain Maggie Steffens is facing an emotional challenge at the Paris Olympics following the death of her sister-in-law, Lulu Conner, just days before the Games commenced. Conner, 26, had traveled to Paris to support Steffens as she aims for her fourth consecutive gold medal. Steffens expressed her grief, stating, “She was so excited for the Olympic Games,” and described Conner as “the light of the world” who had a unique ability to bring people together. In a poignant tribute, Steffens honored Conner’s memory during the opening ceremony by dropping a small bouquet of flowers into the Seine River. The water polo captain reflected on the difficulty of competing without her sister-in-law, acknowledging that the upcoming weeks would be particularly challenging for her and her family. “I hope that we can make her proud every single day,” Steffens added, emphasizing her desire to embody Conner’s spirit throughout the competition. The emotional weight of loss at the Olympics is not unfamiliar to the U.S. water polo team. Coach Adam Krikorian recalled a similar experience during the 2016 Games when he lost his brother, which brought back a flood of emotions. He underscored the importance of supporting Steffens and her family during this difficult time, highlighting the need for love and solidarity in the face of tragedy. As the U.S. team prepares to compete, Steffens remains determined to channel her sister-in-law’s spirit, hoping to honor her memory through her performance in the pool.