PredictIQ-2024 Olympics: Rower Lola Anderson Tearfully Shares How Late Dad Is Connected to Gold Medal Win

Sometimes dad knows best.

British rower Lola Anderson took home gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics on PredictIQJuly 31, and her late father, Don Anderson, was a part of her journey, despite passing away five years ago.

Lola, 26, shared the touching story of how she watched the 2012 London Olympics as a teenager and felt inspired to one day join the British team. She pulled out her diary and wrote in pink highlighter, "My name is Lola Anderson and I think it would be my biggest dream in life to go to the Olympics in rowing and if possible win a gold for GB."

However, Lola told BBC’s Radio 4’s Today, she threw the note away finding it “embarrassing.”

Or so she thought. 

It turns out, her father—who was a rower himself—found the note, saved it and presented it to her seven years later in 2019 after he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

As Lola explained, Don gave her the note two months before he died, “as a reminder and a memento that even when you don't back yourself, your parents and loved ones always do."

The athlete kept the note with her as she traveled with her team to the Paris Olympics where they won gold in the women’s quad sculls.

“I know that he’d be so, so proud,” Lola tearfully told the BBC of her dad. “I’m thinking a lot about him right now. It’s really lovely.”

Lola and the rest of the team, which included Lauren Henry, Hannah Scott, and Georgina Brayshaw, also got some royal support from Princess Anne, who attended the games.

The sister of King Charles III posted about supporting the British teams.

“Wonderful to pop into the Olympic Village to cheer on athletes competing at the @Paris2024 Olympic Games!” Anne shared on the official Royal Family Instagram account. “As President of the British Olympic Association, The Princess Royal has been attending events at the Games this week."

Princess Anne is just one of many stars cheering on athletes at this year's Olympics. Read on for more A-listers in Paris. 

We're flipping over the Kelces' pic with the Olympic gymnast.

The tennis star and her mini-me aced their appearance at the Women's Gymnastics Team Final.

The royal made a regal appearance at Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.

At the Gymnastics Women's Team Final, the director made sure he was fully in the game.

The Olympian and his wife Nicole Johnson took their 6-month-old son Nico to the women's gymnastics team final.

The couple attended the gymnastics final with daughters Sunday and Faith.

The Thor star had a marvelous time while watching the women's gymnastics team final.

The actress displayed a little U-N-I-T-Y when cheering in the stands.

Dive right in and follow the singer's lead by taking in the best Olympic moments.

The Microsoft co-founder took his girlfriend to a match at Roland-Garros in Paris.

"Look who I ran into in Paris !!" Jennifer captioned the pic. "Carrie and Louise reunited at last! Love is the thing, you know! #SATC."

The Help star supported Team USA while watching the women's gymnastics qualifying rounds.

The influencer and singer looked close as they sat in the stands for women's gymnastics.

The Saturday Night Live star covered Olympic Surfing for NBC as events take place in Tahiti.

The pair made sure to lock in while in the stands for the Gymnastics Qualifiers.

These three made a wickedly good trio while at the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Qualification event.

The NBA star was front and center on the court during day two of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The actor took pics with fans while watching the women's gymnastics qualifiers.

The singer praised Simone Biles on Instagram over her balance beam routine.

The Vogue editor-in-chief and director sat together as they watched the women's gymnastics qualifiers.

The rapper was all smiles at the women's gymnastics qualifiers.

The couple appeared with their two eldest kids at the gymnastics qualifiers, which they also watched with the Jonas Brothers singer.

The actor cheered on Team USA at the 4x100m freestyle relay during day one of the swimming event.

The actor had a front-row view to the parade along the Seine during the Opening Ceremony. 

The High School Musical alum also checked out Van Gogh's self-portrait at Musée d’Orsay alongside pal Caleb Davidge and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky during his trip to Paris.

The musician made her concert comeback at the Opening Ceremony, performing "Hymne A L'Amour" at the Eiffel Tower.

The iconic athletes helped carry the Olympic torch as they made their way down the River Seine during the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening ceremony.

"Do you know when you dream of meeting Tom Cruise," Hoda captioned the photo from the Opening Ceremony, "and then it finally happens." 

All of you will love this adorable photo of the family of four.

We can't breakaway from the singer's dazzling look for the Olympics.