Sometimes dad knows best.
British rower Lola Anderson took home gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 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.
Mick Jagger
Sweet sounds of heaven: The rocker took in the festivities while at the Stade de France.
Quavo
The musician proved he was the one while attending the Men's Basketball semi-final match in Paris.
Gabrielle Union
Only one can play that game: The stylish actress stepped out for a daytime stroll.
Emma Roberts
The American Horror Story star rocked a "USA" polo and red Ralph Lauren baseball cap while attending the Games.
Travis Scott, Quavo and Michael Rubin
The "goosebumps" rapper, Migos member and Fanatics CEO showed out for the semi-final basketball game between Serbia and the United States.
Tom Brady and Vivian Brady
The father-daughter duo vaulted onto the scene for a gymnastics match.
Sharon Stone
The Basic Instinct actress looked on during the men's singles final match in tennis.
Eva Mendes & Ryan Gosling
The two made a rare public appearance at the Paris Olympics on day 9, attending a few events, including the Equestrian Dressage Individual Grand Prix Freestyle.
Guy Fieri, Lori Fieri, John Travolta & Ella Bleu Travolta
Welcome to Olympic Flavortown: The Food Network star and his wife sat with the Grease actor and his daughter and Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav at the men's singles tennis gold medal match between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Serbia's Novak Djokovic.
Devin Booker
The NBA star hit a stride while out in the City of Lights.
Kendall Jenner
Th Kardashians star kept up with the athletic events while in Paris.
Kylie Kelce, Aly Raisman & Jason Kelce
We're flipping over the Kelces' pic with the Olympic gymnast.
Serena Williams & Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Jr.
The tennis star and her mini-me aced their appearance at the Women's Gymnastics Team Final.
Princess Anne
The royal made a regal appearance at Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
Spike Lee
At the Gymnastics Women's Team Final, the director made sure he was fully in the game.
Michael Phelps
The Olympian and his wife Nicole Johnson took their 6-month-old son Nico to the women's gymnastics team final.
Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban
The couple attended the gymnastics final with daughters Sunday and Faith.
Natalie Portman
The Thor star had a marvelous time while watching the women's gymnastics team final.
Queen Latifah
The actress displayed a little U-N-I-T-Y when cheering in the stands.
Ed Sheeran
Dive right in and follow the singer's lead by taking in the best Olympic moments.
Bill Gates & Paula Hurd
The Microsoft co-founder took his girlfriend to a match at Roland-Garros in Paris.
Sarah Jessica Parker & Jennifer Hudson
"Look who I ran into in Paris !!" Jennifer captioned the pic. "Carrie and Louise reunited at last! Love is the thing, you know! #SATC."
Jessica Chastain
The Help star supported Team USA while watching the women's gymnastics qualifying rounds.
Emma Chamberlain & Peter McPoland
The influencer and singer looked close as they sat in the stands for women's gymnastics.
Colin Jost
The Saturday Night Live star covered Olympic Surfing for NBC as events take place in Tahiti.
Shaun White & Nina Dobrev
The pair made sure to lock in while in the stands for the Gymnastics Qualifiers.
Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe
These three made a wickedly good trio while at the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Qualification event.
Lebron James
The NBA star was front and center on the court during day two of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tom Cruise
The actor took pics with fans while watching the women's gymnastics qualifiers.
Lady Gaga
The singer praised Simone Biles on Instagram over her balance beam routine.