According to The Denver Post, U.S. water polo star Maggie Steffens is navigating the Paris Olympics while dealing with the sudden loss of her sister-in-law, Lulu Conner.
Steffens, 31, leads the U.S. water polo team during the Paris Olympics. Her sister-in-law, Lulu Conner, tragically passed away last Tuesday.
An enthusiastic supporter, Conner traveled to Paris to cheer Steffens on but succumbed to what was described as a "medical emergency." She was just 26 years old at the time of her death.
In the face of such a heartbreaking loss, Steffens focused and performed exceptionally well. She scored two goals in the U.S. team's 15-6 triumph over Greece on Saturday, marking the beginning of the women's water polo tournament.
With these goals, Steffens led her team to victory and secured her place in history as the highest-scoring female water polo player in Olympic history, with an impressive 58 goals.
Steffens got married to Bobby Conner in Puerto Rico in November. An artist and UC Davis graduate, Lulu Conner created her unique version of Flavor Flav’s USA Water Polo clock for the Olympics, showcasing her artistic talent and enthusiasm for the games. Lulu’s passing has left a void in the family, as she was one of three siblings who shared a strong bond.
Despite the tragedy, Steffens shared that playing has helped her cope somewhat. “I’m like so out of body in a way right now. And I just keep trying to remind myself what Lulu would want,” she said, reflecting on how to best embody Lulu’s spirit. “She gave 150% to everything she did.”
During the opening ceremony on Friday night, Steffens honored her late sister-in-law by dropping a small bouquet of flowers into the Seine River. This poignant gesture deeply resonated with Steffens, who described Conner as “the light of the world” and someone who brought immense joy to everyone around her.
U.S. women's water polo coach Adam Krikorian, who experienced a similar loss before the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, has been a pillar of support for Steffens. “You know when it happens, it’s like all the emotions come pouring back to you,” Krikorian shared, emphasizing the emotional upheaval that such a loss brings.
Steffens acknowledged that her teammates have been a significant support system during this challenging time. Playing with her team has been a form of emotional relief for Steffens, even though she continues to struggle with the loss of Lulu.
She expressed her gratitude for her team, saying, “My team has been a really big support system for me. I’ve been obviously really struggling, and my husband as well, and his entire family.” The collective support and shared experience of the team have helped her navigate this “nightmare” of a situation.
Looking ahead, Steffens hopes to honor Lulu’s memory through her performance and demeanor. “I hope that we can make her proud every single day,” she said, underscoring her commitment to channeling Lulu’s spirit in her journey at the Olympics.
The passing of Lulu Conner is a profound loss for the family, reminiscent of coach Krikorian's sorrow in 2016. With the support of her team, friends, and family, Steffens is finding the strength to compete and honor her sister-in-law's memory. Maggie Steffens' journey at the Paris Olympics showcases her resilience, dedication, and emotional fortitude, leading her team with courage and love that extend beyond the water polo arena.
