US Water Polo Captain Honors Late Sister-in-Law at Olympic Games
- Maggie Steffens, the U.S. water polo captain, honored her late sister-in-law, Lulu Conner, by throwing flowers into the Seine River.
- This poignant act took place during the Opening Ceremony of an event in Paris.
- Steffens' tribute serves as a reminder of love and loss amidst the backdrop of international sporting events.
In a poignant tribute during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, US water polo captain Maggie Steffens honored her late sister-in-law, Lulu Conner, by tossing flowers into the Seine River. Conner, who had traveled to Paris to support Steffens in her quest for a fourth Olympic gold medal, tragically passed away just days before the games due to a medical emergency. The news of her death was first reported by the Associated Press and later confirmed by a representative of the US Water Polo team. Steffens expressed her deep sorrow over the loss, describing Conner as a vibrant presence in her life and the lives of many others. “She was so excited for the Olympic Games,” Steffens shared, highlighting the close bond they shared. Conner, the 26-year-old sister of Steffens’ husband Bobby Conner, was remembered as a source of joy and light, and Steffens emphasized the importance of carrying her spirit throughout the competition. Despite the emotional weight of her loss, Steffens found strength in her team’s support, stating that they have rallied around her during this difficult time. She expressed hope that they could make Conner proud with their performance. In a display of resilience, Steffens scored two goals in a match against Greece on Saturday, with the team set to face Spain on Monday. The emotional journey of the athlete continues as she navigates her grief while competing on the world stage.