USA Water polo team captain Maggie Steffens is mourning the sudden death of her sister-in law, who happened to be in Paris to watch the USA team compete in the 2024 Summer Games.
Steffens, a three time gold medalist told the Associated Press “She was so excited for the Olympic Games. We’re really close. She’s the light of the world. She just brings so much joy to everyone. She always brings people together.”
She confirmed Lulu Conner died at age 26, following a medical emergency. Lulu is the younger sister of Steffens husband Bobby Conner. Lulu died on July 23 after traveling to Paris.
Steffens married her husband last November, and she honored her deceased sister-in-law during the Olympics opening ceremony by dropping a bouquet into the Seine, in Lulu’s memory.
“It’s going to be a really hard couple weeks for all of us,” Steffens said. “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. I mean, it’s a nightmare, and it’s completely shocking. But I think just feeling her spirit here is, like I said, it’s amazing. And I hope that we can make her proud every single day.”
Lulu happened to be an artist who designed a version of Flavor Flav’s clocks with a USA water polo theme. Flavor Flav is a big fan of the USA water polo team. Steffen’s husband gave Flavor Flav the special clock. Lulu also made the clocks for the whole USA water polo team.
Women’s water polo started July 27. The United States beat Greece 15-6 in their first game. Steffens scored two goals and happens to be the best scoring woman in the history of the Olympics. She scored 58 goals so far.
